France Calms Overnight After Curfews Imposed to Quell Riots, PM Says
Targeted curfews across France contributed to a quiet night following a weekend of riots and looting, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced.
Targeted curfews across France contributed to a quiet night following a weekend of riots and looting across the country, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has said.
Curfews were introduced across parts of central Paris, including Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping area, as authorities sought to regain control after several nights of unrest. Other measures restricting the movement of young people and large gatherings were implemented in major cities such as Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, and Lyon, as well as Lille and other towns in the north.
Lecornu expressed his gratitude to police officers and gendarmes for their efforts in enforcing the new restrictions. He indicated that decisions regarding further curfews for Tuesday night would be made on the ground by French regions and local mayors, based on the evolving situation and necessity.
The implementation of curfews comes after a period of significant public disorder. Earlier, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had acknowledged that police had lost control in some urban areas. Nuñez had faced criticism from opposition politicians regarding the government's preparedness for the riots, and had offered his resignation on Monday, an offer that President Emmanuel Macron rejected.
Official figures state that more than 2,500 people have been arrested since the disorder began. The unrest has also resulted in injuries, with approximately 1,000 police officers reportedly injured. In one incident, a demonstrator's hand was reportedly blown off by a police crowd-control grenade, according to the AFP news agency.
The protests initially started last month, with students demanding improvements in school conditions. However, the demonstrations have broadened in scope, attracting support from trade unions and various protest groups, leading to a wider range of concerns being voiced.
Clean-up operations began in several cities on Monday, as residents and authorities assessed the damage caused by the riots and looting. Images from affected areas showed damaged storefronts and public spaces, highlighting the extent of the unrest.
The government's response, including the imposition of curfews and restrictions on movement, aims to restore order and prevent further escalation of violence. The situation remains under close observation, with authorities monitoring developments to determine future actions.
This article was written by AI based on publicly available news reporting. Original reporting by the linked source.
