Several French cities experienced a calmer night after authorities introduced targeted curfews to prevent further violence and looting, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has said.
The restrictions followed a weekend of unrest that affected Paris and other cities, prompting the government to strengthen security measures and face questions over its handling of the demonstrations.
Curfews Introduced in Paris and Other Cities
In Paris, overnight restrictions were imposed around Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district, two areas affected by recent disorder.
Authorities also introduced restrictions on gatherings and the movement of young people in several other locations, including Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon and Lille.
Lecornu thanked police officers and gendarmes for enforcing the measures, saying decisions on additional curfews would depend on local security conditions.
In a statement posted on X, the prime minister said local authorities and mayors would assess the situation on the ground before deciding whether further restrictions were necessary.
Interior Minister Admits Security Failures
The unrest has placed France’s security response under intense scrutiny.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that police had “lost control” in some cities during the weekend violence. He offered his resignation on Monday, but President Emmanuel Macron rejected it.
The government has faced criticism from opposition politicians and local officials over whether authorities were adequately prepared for the scale and spread of the disorder.
More Than 2,500 Arrests Reported
Authorities have reported more than 2,500 arrests since the unrest began, while approximately 1,000 police officers were reported injured.
The violence also left demonstrators injured. According to reports citing the Agence France-Presse news agency, one protester lost a hand after a police crowd-control grenade exploded.
The incidents followed demonstrations that began with students demanding improved school conditions before expanding to include broader concerns over the cost of living and public services, with trade unions and other protest groups joining the mobilisation.
More Restrictions Could Follow
Lecornu said decisions on further curfews would be made according to local needs, rather than automatically imposing restrictions across entire cities.
The authorities are seeking to prevent a repeat of the weekend’s violence while responding to concerns over public safety, damage to businesses and the conduct of security forces.
Although the quiet night was welcomed by the government, further restrictions remain possible as officials continue to monitor developments.
