France's Macron says 'illegitimate' protests will be banned in coming days

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that demonstrations organized by groups without legitimate authority would be banned in the coming days. Over the past weekend, protests over the education system and the cost of living escalated into violence and looting, which the government blamed on ultra-left groups. "Last Saturday we had political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic," Macron said after a special security meeting at the Elysee Palace with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers. "The general recommendation is not to hold demonstrations in the coming days," he explained. "We want calm to return.