Emmanuel Macron has said “illegitimate” demonstrations will be banned over the coming days as France seeks to get a grip on civil unrest after some of its worst street violence in years erupted on the fringes of cost of living protests at the weekend.

Speaking after a ​meeting with intelligence officials and senior ministers, the French president said on Thursday that demonstrations organised by recognised groups would be allowed to go ahead, although their routes could be changed.

Emmanuel Macron chairs a security council meeting at the Élysée Palace. Photograph: Suarez Teresa/ABACA/Shutterstock

Protests requested by “individuals or groups with no legitimate authority” would be banned, Macron said. Requests by organisations such as trade unions would be “examined in accordance with the law” but they might have to use alternative routes.

The measures were necessary to protect city centres, businesses and public buildings, he said, adding: “The rules are simple and I think they’re commonsense.…