France bans protests in Marseille and Lyon, restricts Paris marches after unrest

France has banned all demonstrations in Marseille and Lyon and restricted them in Paris for Saturday, with only union-organized marches allowed in the capital and offered alternative routes to protect city centers and businesses. The president warned that requests from people without legitimacy will be refused, emphasizing the need for calm. The bans follow widespread violence during an October 17 cost-of-living protest, during which 3,000 shops were looted and damaged nationwide. Authorities face criticism for failing to anticipate the unrest, with 217 people jailed among 2,700 held in custody, while security forces will be increased by 20 percent for Saturday. The government's measures, including curfews in Paris districts, are denounced as restrictive by the left, while the right calls for more firmness. The far-right National Rally holds its congress in Orléans this weekend amid expected counter-protests, and France's debt rating faces potential downgrade by Moody's.