France's top administrative court rejects challenges to President Macron's protest restrictions
The Conseil d’État dismissed a series of urgent appeals filed by human-rights groups and left-wing parties contesting Emmanuel Macron's statements on limiting demonstrations.
On Thursday, a coalition of NGOs and professional unions filed urgent liberty-reference motions before the Conseil d’État, seeking to halt any presidential order or instruction that would forbid public gatherings. They cited Emmanuel Macron’s remarks after a security council meeting, in which he said future protests would be denied unless organised by recognised unions, and that other demonstrations would be blocked wherever possible.
Seven left-wing parties, represented by deputy Léa Balage El Mariky, lodged a similar request, warning that restricting the right to protest based on the organiser’s status is unconstitutional. The Conseil d’État’s referee judge rejected every request, stating that the president’s statements do not amount to an enforceable ban and that prefects must independently evaluate the risk of disorder for each declared protest.
Legal experts noted the ruling underscores the limits of presidential influence over local authorities. Critics, including Manuel Bompard, interpreted the decision as a rebuke of any attempt by the president to dictate protest policy.
Why it matters
The ruling clarifies that France's president cannot unilaterally restrict protests, preserving constitutional protest rights.
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