France imposes curfews in parts of Paris, other cities after weekend of riots
PARIS, Oct 19 (Reuters) - 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 stemming from nationwide anti-government protests.
French authorities imposed curfews on Monday in several cities, including Paris, Lille and Nice, amid a weekend of riots and looting stemming from nationwide anti-government protests. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated his determination to restore order, but not impose a blanket curfew in Paris. Police in Paris issued orders barring protests from 8 p.m. and a curfew around key locations from 11 p.m., both set to last until 6 a.m. the following morning.
In Lille, a curfew for minors was set between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for the next two days. In Nice, mayor Eric Ciotti signed an order for a curfew for minors in central Nice. Marseille banned gatherings and demonstrations. French unions called for new strikes and rallies on November 5. The unrest followed weeks of student demonstrations, highlighting concerns over a weak economy and surging debt.
Prime Minister Lecornu blamed far-left groups for some of the worst unrest in years. The government pledged furlough measures and ordered platforms selling looted goods to take down announcements and cooperate with prosecutors. The weekend violence resulted in around 2,400 arrests, one protester's death, and nearly 1,000 injured officers.
Tensions within President Emmanuel Macron's government over security shortcomings could further unsettle investors as France heads into its presidential election.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
