France restricts protests after Paris violence

French authorities imposed bans and restrictions on new protests Thursday following last weekend's demonstrations that escalated into the worst street violence in years. President Emmanuel Macron announced curfews and security measures, prioritizing a return to calm. Macron stated that organized ultra-left groups aimed to bring down the republic, leading to bans on protests in Paris, Lyon, and other cities. A student protest in Paris was banned, and authorities restricted Saturday's planned march from entering the city center, drawing criticism from organizers. Officials are responding to the October 17 unrest, which involved looting and vandalism amid cost-of-living demonstrations. Over 900 people face prosecution, while presidential candidates debate the government's handling, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen accusing authorities of being too soft.