According to Reuters, after large-scale anti-government demonstrations turned into riots and robberies over the weekend, the French Prime Minister's office announced on the 19th that curfews would be imposed in some areas of cities such as Paris, Rennes, and Nice to prevent further violent incidents.
Paris police announced that from 8 p.m. local time on the 19th to 6 a.m. on the 20th, demonstrations were prohibited in some areas of Paris. Specifically, curfews were imposed around Place de la République and the Laillé commercial district starting at 11 p.m. on the 19th, lasting until 6 a.m. the next day. Police have deployed personnel to ensure that these measures are enforced.
Meanwhile, cities in northern France such as Lille and Düsseldorf imposed a two-day curfew on minors, restricting their movements from 8 PM to 6 AM the next day. Nighttime curfews were also implemented in the center of Nice for minors.
French Prime Minister Le Cournay stated that a complete curfew will not be imposed throughout Paris at this time, but the possibility of declaring a state of emergency is not excluded.
This round of protests stems from public dissatisfaction with rising living costs, deteriorating public services, and educational conditions. Last weekend, violent clashes and looting of shops occurred in many parts of France. The French Interior Ministry reported that about 2,400 people were arrested, nearly 1,000 police officers were injured, and one protestor died due to a cardiac arrest.
French President Macron rejected on the 19th the resignation request put forward by Interior Minister Nunez. He asked him to continue in his position and take measures to stop riots and robberies, as well as to investigate any mistakes in police intelligence collection and prior assessment.
