New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said the measures aim to protect city centers, businesses and public buildings.

The ban on demonstrations planned Thursday in Paris, Lyon, Lille and Grenoble was seen by some as an infringement on French people's right to protest.

But high school and university student groups said they will continue to mobilize, even though the autumn school break started this week.

Macron said the strategy adopted for the coming days is to ban protests requested by "individuals or groups with no legitimate authority." His remarks came after a special security meeting at the Elysee Palace.

"Where trade unions submit requests to hold demonstrations, prefects will examine them in accordance with the...