Macron bans non-union protests, blames far-left groups for violence

French President Emmanuel Macron has banned all protests not organized by unions this Saturday, calling the measure "common sense" following an emergency security meeting. He vowed intervention against unauthorized demonstrators, saying "we want to return to calm." Last weekend's protests across France, including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, led to 1,500 looted shops, arson, clashes, and over 2,300 arrests. Macron acknowledged "shortcomings" in preparation and blamed "organized far-left groups" seeking to overthrow the Republic with high violence and careful planning. Saturday's expected protests will face massive police presence and military deployment. Paris authorities have urged residents to remove trash bins, bikes, and outdoor furniture by noon. Separately, a second suspect was arrested for the Limoges town hall fire, with the first suspect also facing attempted murder charges.