France tightens security and bans protests after worst street violence in years

France banned or restricted fresh protests and announced extra security measures Thursday after the country's worst street violence in years, with President Emmanuel Macron blaming organised far-left groups and prioritising a return to calm. Macron chaired a security meeting and imposed curfews and demonstration bans, while 20 per cent more police will be deployed Saturday. Authorities banned protests in Lyon and other cities, and Paris restricted a planned march from the city centre. Over 2,700 people were arrested since last weekend's unrest, with 217 jailed and 1,000 prosecuted. The violence erupted October 17 during cost-of-living protests, and presidential candidates have questioned the government's ability to restore order.