PARIS, France: French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that authorities will ban some protests in the coming days as they prepare for fresh demonstrations following violent riots and looting across the country last weekend.

Speaking after a meeting with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers on October 22, Macron blamed far-left groups and vandals for the violence. He said trade unions could still organize demonstrations, but authorities could change their routes to protect businesses.

"Last Saturday we had political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic," Macron said.

His comments came as officials prepared for another potentially violent weekend following some of France's worst urban unrest in years.

Authorities in Lyon, France's second-largest city, banned all demonstrations planned for October 24. However, other parts of the country were already organizing further protests.

France's main student union, UNEF, has called for rallies on October 24. The Yellow Vest movement, which emerged in 2018 as an anti-government protest movement, has also called for a march through central Paris.

Businesses in central Paris have started boarding up shop windows in preparation for possible violence. Luxury goods company Hermes said it had increased security at its stores across France.

In the northern city of Orleans, authorities were preparing for possible unrest as the far-right National Rally party planned to hold its annual meeting. Trade unions and left-wing groups were also preparing demonstrations.

Authorities banned a student protest planned for October 22 in Paris. However, transport authorities closed metro stations in central Paris anticipating possible unauthorized gatherings.

Arrests After Attacks, Arson

France was hit by serious urban violence on October 17, during nationwide protests. The unrest exposed deep public anger and raised questions about security forces' ability to maintain order.

Two people have been arrested over an arson attack on the city hall in Limoges, according to French officials and media reports.

A third consecutive night of local curfews passed without major incidents in areas affected by the violence. The relative calm offered the government some relief ahead of the weekend.

The unrest has highlighted wider problems facing France. Rising energy costs, pressure on household budgets and concerns about declining public services have increased frustration among workers and young people.

The political response has also become increasingly hostile, with the government accusing far-left groups of encouraging the violence.

The unrest has raised concerns beyond public safety. On October 22, yields on French 10-year government bonds rose above those on similar U.S. Treasury bonds for the first time since 2013, reflecting growing investor unease about France's economic and political situation.