Macron blames ‘seditious’ far left for unrest as France bans some protests

France has banned planned protests in several of its largest cities after weekend demonstrations descended into riots and looting, as President Emmanuel Macron blamed what he called 'seditious acts' by 'ultra-left' groups.

The Paris Police Prefecture announced that Thursday's protests would be barred from key parts of the capital where looting occurred over the weekend. Authorities also prohibited Thursday's demonstrations in Lyon, Lille and Grenoble, while the Bouche-du-Rhone region covering Marseille imposed its own bans. A police source told the AFP news agency that the ban was necessary, saying organisers had been unable to prevent further trouble.

The crackdown followed Saturday's nationwide mobilisation, which drew more than half a million people across France. Riots broke out in several areas and shops were looted. Justice minister Gerald Darmanin said at least 2,700 people had been taken into custody, and that 217 of those arrested had already been convicted.

Speaking from the Elysee Palace on Thursday, Macron said France would ban all 'illegitimate' protests to 'protect businesses', and added that he would convene the country's defence council on Friday to take further action. The government also said the Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums in Paris would remain closed on Saturday, ahead of another planned large demonstration.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who met union representatives on Wednesday, promised a 'massive' security response, though the unions said the meeting produced no concrete proposals. The wave of demonstrations first erupted last month in a high school in Creteil over staff shortages, with students raising concerns about underfunded schools - but the movement has since morphed into broader protests over soaring living costs.