Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says targeted curfews across France helped bring a calm night after a weekend of rioting and looting nationwide. Restrictions were placed on parts of central Paris, including Place de la République, where protesters had gathered at the weekend, and the Les Halles shopping district.
Limits on the movement of young people and on public gatherings were also introduced in Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Lyon, as well as Lille and other northern towns. Lecornu thanked police officers and gendarmes for enforcing them, and said any curfews for Tuesday night would depend on where they are needed.
Curfew decisions left to regions and mayors
Writing on X, Lecornu said decisions would be taken “on the ground” by regional authorities and local mayors. Earlier, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted that police had “lost control” in some cities.
Nuñez faced strong criticism from opposition politicians over how well prepared authorities were for the disorder, and he offered his resignation on Monday. President Emmanuel Macron rejected it.
Arrests, injuries and the origins of the protests
Officials said more than 2,500 people have been arrested since the unrest began. One news agency said a demonstrator lost a hand after being hit by a police crowd-control grenade, and about 1,000 police officers were injured.
The protests started last month when students demanded better school conditions. They have since widened to take in a broader range of concerns, with trade unions and various protest groups boosting turnout.
