French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that demonstrations not organized by trade unions will be banned in the coming days, particularly on Saturday, as France looks to get on top of a wave of violent unrest seen across the nation.
Under the new directives, union-led marches permitted by authorities may be subject to rerouted paths to protect downtown businesses and public institutions.
Macron said that the government recommends that no demonstrations be held across the country in the coming days, and the government will have dialogue with all protesting parties on their demands.
The stricter measures followed nationwide demonstrations held last Saturday that were marred by severe violent clashes in multiple cities, with criminal damage to many buildings and looting being reported.
Following the initial round of protests, some labor unions and student organizations have scheduled the next wave of major national protests for Nov 5, while other protesters plan fresh demonstrations on Saturday.
Macron bans unapproved protests in coming days
Macron bans unapproved protests in coming days
Macron bans unapproved protests in coming days
China hopes to take German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's upcoming state visit as an opportunity to make greater progress in bilateral relations, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Friday.
At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Steinmeier will pay a state visit to China from October 27 to 31.
"German president will visit China again after nearly eight years. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Steinmeier. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with him to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Besides Beijing, President Steinmeier will also visit Anhui Province," said Mao.
"The sound and steady growth of the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany, the world's second and third largest economies, not only serves the interests of both countries, but is also what Europe and the world hope to see. The past 54 years since diplomatic ties were established have shown that mutual respect and mutual trust are the bedrock for a stable relationship and mutual benefit the key to success in bilateral cooperation. Our two countries have built strategic consensus through close collaboration and achieved shared prosperity in practical cooperation, delivering tangible benefits to both peoples," she said.
"President Steinmeier, an old friend of the Chinese people, has actively contributed to the development of China-Germany relations. We hope to work with the German side to take this visit as an opportunity to cement mutual trust, deepen cooperation and seek joint innovation, so as to make greater progress in bilateral relations, contribute to steady and sustained growth of China-Europe relations, and bring fresh energy to the world," said the spokeswoman.
China ready to work with Germany to make greater progress in bilateral relations: spokeswoman
