Macron Bans Student Protests in France, Union Calls It Attack on Freedom

French President Emmanuel Macron has banned all demonstrations not organized by unions, calling them "illegitimate," following weeks of student-led protests across France. The main student union condemned the order as an attack on protest freedom. The ban targets protests outside union-organized events, with students rallying in Paris on Thursday after receiving last-minute approval. The union accused Macron of "trampling upon the freedom to protest" and "spitting on the values of the republic." Student protesters, including one named Lao, vowed to continue mobilizing despite the ban, stating they will persist until their demands are heard. The move escalates tensions between the government and student activists.