In brief
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported that targeted curfews in Paris and several French cities calmed the night after a weekend of riots and looting. Curfews were imposed in central Paris, Les Halles, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, and Lille, with police and gendarmes enforcing the restrictions. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez did not deny police lost control in some areas, and he faced criticism and a resignation offer that was refused by President Macron. Authorities have arrested over 2,500 people, and around 1,000 police officers were injured; a demonstrator suffered a severe injury from a police crowd‑control device. The unrest began over school conditions and has grown to include broader grievances.
Sebastien Lecornu, the French prime minister, said that overnight curfews in several cities helped calm the violence that erupted in parts of the country over the weekend.
The curfew in central Paris included Place de la République and the bustling Les Halles shopping district, while Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon and Lille saw restrictions on movement for young people and large gatherings.
Lecornu thanked police officers and gendarmes for enforcing the orders, noting that further curfews on Tuesday night would be decided “on the ground” by local authorities.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who admitted police had lost control in a few places, had been slammed by opposition figures and offered his resignation, which President Emmanuel Macron refused.
Authorities say more than 2,500 people have been arrested since the unrest began; over 1,000 police officers were injured, and a demonstrator lost a hand when a police crowd‑control grenade was fired.
The protests were sparked last month by students demanding better school conditions but have expanded to address a wider range of concerns, drawing support from trade unions and other groups.
