France Imposes Curfews in Paris and Other Cities After Weekend Riots and Looting

Curfews Imposed Across French Cities

Curfews came into effect in cities across France, including Paris, Bordeaux, Nice and Lyon, as French police attempted to crack down on looting during protests. [1] French authorities set curfews in parts of several cities on Monday, including Paris, Lille and Nice, as they faced pressure over security failings after a weekend of riots and looting. [5] French authorities issued a curfew for Place de la Republique and the streets around Les Halles in central Paris to take effect Monday night from 11pm until 6am on Tuesday. [1] Police officers were on patrol during a partial curfew in Lyon on Monday. [5]

Weekend Protests Turn Deadly and Destructive

Mass protests against the rising cost of living and in support of high school students’ demands over education funding erupted in violent clashes, in which law enforcement officers and protesters were wounded, public buildings were set ablaze and businesses were looted. [1] The weekend demonstrations over soaring prices degenerated into some of France's worst street violence in recent years. [5] Nationwide anti-government protests produced riots and looting that prompted the curfews. [5]

French Officials Signal Possible State of Emergency

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has said that implementing a state of emergency is not out of the question. [1] Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu had ruled out a blanket curfew in Paris but not a state of emergency, and he had said it was more appropriate for now to apply partial and localized curfews. [5] “My determination to restore order is absolute,” he told reporters. [5] Interior Minister Laurent Nunez admitted that police had "lost control" of the protests in several cities over the weekend. [1]

Yellow Vests Announce Further Demonstrations

The Yellow Vest movement called for a new round of protests on Saturday. [1] The call follows the weekend clashes that left officers and protesters wounded and prompted curfews in multiple cities. [1] French authorities continue to monitor the situation as they enforce the partial curfews already in place. [5]

What to watch next: The Yellow Vest movement has called for a new round of protests on Saturday following the weekend violence that prompted curfews across French cities.