French president considers banning protests on Champs Elysees: Official

French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly mulling over a ban against gatherings on the famous Champs Elysees avenue in Paris after “Yellow Vest" protesters set fire to a historic restaurant there.

An official from the president’s office made the announcement on Monday, two days after the anti-government protesters burned down the famous Fouquet’s restaurant, several shops and vehicles, as well as newspaper stands on the avenue, Reuters reported.

Following the incident, Macron summoned a meeting with his interior and justice ministers to assess the critical situation and take necessary measures ease the tensions.

Macron has vowed to take “strong measures” to stop such riots from happening again next Saturday. 

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe’s office also said the latest acts of violence showed current security arrangements were insufficient.

The office added that security forces should prepare for firmer measures to stop the protests.

The protests started in November to oppose now-abandoned fuel tax hikes and then rapidly evolved into a broader movement against Macron, himself, and his pro-business reforms, as well as elitism, in general.

The Yellow Vest movement, one of the largest French demonstrations in recent history, has marched every Saturday since November 2018.

SS