France orders localized curfews after violent protests and widespread looting
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has instructed regional authorities to introduce limited, localized curfews following days of violent unrest, looting and attacks on businesses across France.
Speaking after an interministerial crisis meeting on October 19, Lecornu said he had asked prefects to implement "partial and localized" curfews starting Monday evening to protect businesses and restore order.
The areas affected are to be announced following consultations with local mayors.
Lecornu said the government was not ruling out a state of emergency if necessary, but that targeted curfews appeared more appropriate for the time being.
The measures follow widespread violence during demonstrations on October 17 and further clashes and looting on Sunday. At least 117 people were arrested in Paris on Sunday, according to French broadcaster BFMTV.
The unrest grew out of protests initially led by high school students over overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school conditions and teacher shortages. The demonstrations later broadened to include grievances over the cost of living, wages and pensions.
Lecornu accused far-left groups of seeking to provoke prolonged disorder ahead of France's 2027 presidential election. He said the government would consult intelligence services about the threat.
The government also announced financial assistance for businesses affected by the violence, including a dedicated support fund and temporary wage-support measures for employees unable to work.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said police and gendarmerie deployments would be reinforced, particularly ahead of another planned day of demonstrations next weekend.
Nuñez had offered his resignation following the violence, but President Emmanuel Macron refused to accept it. The president's office nevertheless acknowledged failures in anticipating the unrest and gathering intelligence.
Macron condemned the violence while distinguishing those responsible for destruction from peaceful protesters expressing legitimate grievances.
"How can French people do this to France?" Macron asked in an address on Sunday, saying the violence could not be justified.