Paris:French associations have filed an appeal against President Emmanuel Macron's recent decision to prohibit demonstrations not organized by trade unions, ahead of nationwide protests anticipated on October 24.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Association for the Defense of Constitutional Freedoms (Adelico) and the Magistrates' Union submitted an emergency application to the Council of State. They are seeking to suspend the implementation of the ban and any related instructions.

Jean-Baptiste Soufron, a lawyer representing Adelico, argued that Macron's directive represented "an abuse of power" since no legal text authorizes the president to independently establish such a policy. The appeal also criticized the decision for making a general recommendation and differentiating between trade union organizations and other citizens.

The associations maintain that the right to demonstrate is not exclusive to trade unions and should be accessible to all citizens. The Council of State has 48 hours to rule on the appeal.

Macron's announcement was made during a security council meeting, where he stated that non-union demonstrations would be banned, especially on Saturdays, wherever feasible. Prefects have been tasked with reviewing union requests and suggesting alternative routes to safeguard city centers, businesses, and public buildings. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon noted that restrictions on non-union demonstrations would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.