Macron bans 'illegitimate' protests, blames ultra-left groups for France riots

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that "illegitimate" protests will be banned in coming days, while organized groups like unions would be offered alternative march routes to protect businesses. He spoke after meeting intelligence officials and senior ministers to address the crisis. Macron blamed "seditious" ultra-left groups and vandals for last Saturday's riots and looting across France. Rivals from center-left to far right have accused Jean-Luc Melenchon and his France Unbowed party of fueling the country's worst civil unrest in years through confrontational rhetoric. Melenchon, 75, launched his fourth presidential bid in May and rejected responsibility, instead accusing the government of failing to address deep-rooted social and economic grievances in poorer suburbs. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu had sharpened attacks Tuesday, claiming the party's agenda of instilling violence was now on display.