Macron bans 'illegitimate' protests as France jails 217 over weekend riots

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that demonstrations organised by groups without legitimate authority would be banned in the coming days, following the worst urban unrest France has seen in years.

Speaking after a security meeting at the Elysee Palace with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers, Macron said the previous weekend had seen "political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups" aimed at bringing down the Republic. "The general recommendation is not to hold demonstrations in the coming days," he said.

Around 2,700 people were arrested across France last weekend after protests over the education system and the cost of living escalated into violence. Masked rioters clashed with police, looted shops and set cars and buildings on fire. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said courts had jailed 217 people in fast-track trials linked to the rioting, with that figure still rising.

Several cities had already imposed curfews. Protests planned Thursday in Paris, Lyon, Lille and Grenoble were banned, though thousands gathered in Paris after a local court was reported to have overturned the day's ban.

Macron said prefects would examine trade union demonstration requests case by case and propose alternative routes. He announced talks between authorities, student groups, unions and employers would begin on Monday.

France's main student union, UNEF, called for rallies on Saturday. The Yellow Vest movement also filed plans for a march through central Paris. Two people were arrested over an arson attack on Limoges city hall.

The unrest began in September at a school near Paris over education funding shortfalls before spreading to other cities and widening to address the cost of living.