Macron bans non-union protests in France after worst unrest in decades

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that non-union-organized protests will be banned Saturday and in the coming days, as authorities seek to restore calm after weekend demonstrations escalated into the country's worst unrest in decades. Macron stated that any requests for demonstrations by individuals or groups without legitimacy will be prohibited, prioritizing a return to calm. Union requests will be reviewed, but alternative routes will be offered to protect city centers, commercial establishments, and public buildings. The student union UNEF has called for new demonstrations Saturday, with the CGT union federation saying it will participate.