French Police ban protests on Champs-Elysées due to risks against public order
After two nights of unrest in the French capital that led to the detention of hundreds of people and considerable damage, the Police Prefecture has prohibited protests on the Parisian Place de la Concorde and in the famous Champs-Elysées area. This ban has been implemented “due to risks against public order,” according to reports from French media.
The unpopular pension reform that increases the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 years prompted protests to be organized spontaneously outside of unions or political parties. Since Thursday, 16 March 2023, crowds have gathered in the emblematic square to protest against the decision.
Despite the ban, a demonstration is still planned for this Saturday, 18 March 2023, through social media. The demonstration is scheduled to take place at Place d’Italia.
Protests of this nature can quickly turn violent, leading to confrontations with police, destruction of public property, and the detention of protesters. French authorities are hopeful that the ban on protests in the Champs-Elysées area will quell any further violence.
These restrictions come as the government faces continued opposition to its proposed pension reform. Public demonstrations have become an essential means for people to voice their concerns and demands to their government.