France jails 217 after protests as Orléans braces for rival rallies

French authorities have incarcerated 217 people among 2,700 held in police custody following weekend violence and looting, as the government prepares for new protests on Saturday, October 24. President Emmanuel Macron has accused far-left groups of seditious acts aimed at bringing down the Republic. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the incarceration figures Thursday, noting half of those jailed had no prior criminal record. Authorities have banned demonstrations in Lyon and Grenoble, while 20,000 to 30,000 opponents of the National Rally are expected at its congress in Orléans, where 3,000 security forces will be deployed. Macron will visit security forces Friday and convene a defense council, with police mobilization for Saturday increased 20 percent compared to last week. The government has authorized only union-organized protests, with alternative routes protecting shops and public buildings.