Macron blames ultra-left groups for French protests over schools and living costs

French President Emmanuel Macron blamed ultra-left groups and vandals for widespread protests over deteriorating school conditions, which escalated into arson and looting, and announced tougher restrictions on demonstrations, calling the acts "seditious" and aimed at bringing down the Republic. The unrest on October 17 involved an estimated 500,000 people protesting rising living costs and public service decline, with riots in Lyon, Limoges, and Paris leading to hundreds of arrests and prosecutions, while Macron said he would not declare a state of emergency. Macron's government has banned some protests, including a student rally in Paris, while allowing trade union events with route changes, as businesses board up windows ahead of planned marches by the Yellow Vest movement and others.