French PM orders ‘localized’ curfews in response to looting and unrest
The government faces criticism it failed to adequately prepare for the violence that played out alongside mass protests.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has instructed local authorities to impose "partial curfews" on Monday evening to curb rioting and looting that occurred during protests over the weekend. The curfews are meant to "protect people, as well as property and businesses," as the destruction is concentrated in specific areas rather than nationwide.
Junior Minister Jean-Didier Berger stated that this could involve limiting nighttime access to certain streets or regions with a high concentration of businesses. A "special support fund" will be established to assist the approximately 3,000 local businesses impacted by the unrest. This decision followed an emergency meeting at the French interior ministry after scenes of widespread chaos unfolded across the country on Saturday.
President Emmanuel Macron's primetime address on Sunday night failed to quell public concerns, as it was widely criticized for being inadequate. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez tendered his resignation, but the Prime Minister declined to accept it. The government is now facing criticism over its handling of the situation and efforts to prevent it from escalating into a prolonged movement similar to the Yellow Jackets protests of 2018, ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
The demonstrations on Saturday saw various groups, including teachers, students demanding better school funding, and those protesting rising living costs, join forces. While some protests remained peaceful, violent incidents were reported in major cities like Paris. The government is scrambling to deflect allegations of mismanagement and avoid a sustained movement like the Yellow Jackets before the election, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen seen as a likely victor.
A website purportedly representing the Yellow Jacket movement called for more protests the following Saturday, and unions are organizing strikes and demonstrations on November 5 in response to the government's proposed budget, which includes €43 billion in savings. The government has accused "ultra-left" movements of driving the unrest, based on analysis by French intelligence services, though Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau has not confirmed this based on the arrested individuals' profiles.
Lecornu and right-wing politicians have also blamed far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon for playing a significant role in the unrest, while Mélenchon denies responsibility and accuses the government of using excessive force against minors. Lecornu plans to meet with party leaders and presidential candidates to address campaign safety and seek reforms in French policing tactics, which have been under increased scrutiny.
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