France's Macron vows to stand firm against disorder during visit to Marseille

“We're not backing down," said Macron during a visit to Marseille in southern France. "We will continue to stand firm this Saturday."

Macron, who admitted that police chiefs failed to anticipate the potential for violence during the first protests on 17 October, said they would be better prepared for demonstrations on 31 October as well as on 5 November when a strike has been called.

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“Never again October 17," said Macron. "October 24 is a model. We stood firm, and that is what we will continue to do.

"We will continue to establish alternative routes for authorised demonstrations to protect businesses," he added.

“It is not normal that, six months before a presidential election, our country should be in such a state of turmoil. There are people who rejoice in disorder; I do not,” Macron said.

The government of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu met with student groups on Monday to look at measures to address the demands of high-school and university organisations, including a revamp of Parcoursup, France's university admissions platform.

Their protests started in September and spread into a wider social movement two weeks ago when the 'Yellow Vests' joined in.

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'This movement will calm down'

“If we do our job well collectively, this movement will calm down because we will meet legitimate expectations and maintain public order," Macron added. "But nothing is guaranteed,” the president said.

On 17 October, two dozen protesters broke into Marseille town hall and rampaged through the building smashing statues and furniture.

During his trip to the city, Macron hit at social media sites. He said they were a tool for mobilising the worst impulses. "They harm our democracies," he added.

31 October protests

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said around a dozen curfews imposed by local authorities would remain in place for protests next Saturday.

"We expect things to be difficult again," he said. "Halloween [31 October] night is traditionally always lively."

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Nearly 1,500 people were arrested on the sidelines of last weekend protests, Nunez said, adding there were no serious incidents.

He said that 267 police officers and gendarmes were injured, along with 150 protesters, including three who were seriously hurt.  

“I have asked the government to address the legitimate demands at the root of this protest movement,” Macron said.