France tightens protest rules as Macron faces new unrest

France is bracing for a weekend of new protests after some of the worst urban violence in years erupted last week, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to restore order and reclaim the initiative. Macron announced Thursday that only union demonstrations would be authorized this weekend, and he plans to meet with his defence council and security forces Friday. He will also host high school student representatives for the first time, as their protests over school conditions have broadened into nationwide anger against the government over the rising cost of living. The unrest comes six months before elections, with a new poll showing far-right candidate Marine Le Pen as the frontrunner, strengthened by recent events. Courts have sent 217 people to prison over last Saturday's violence, and Macron has accused "ultra-left" groups of trying to "bring down the republic." Demonstrations are banned in Marseille and Lyon, while Paris protests are limited to a route between Bastille and Nation squares.