PARIS: French authorities have announced partial nighttime curfews in four northern cities following violent protests and looting, as the government faces mounting pressure to restore order while addressing public anger over rising living costs.
The restrictions cover Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain. They follow nationwide demonstrations on October 17 that began over economic grievances and conditions in educational institutions before violence erupted in several cities.
Authorities announced restrictions running from 8pm until 6am on Monday and Tuesday nights, following a request from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The measures were introduced with the agreement of the mayors concerned.
The curfews aim to protect shops and prevent further damage after businesses were targeted during the unrest. Lecornu has supported localised restrictions as authorities seek to contain disturbances in affected areas.
Around half a million people joined demonstrations across France on Saturday, according to AFP. The mobilisation followed weeks of student protests demanding better conditions in high schools and broadened into opposition to the rising cost of living.
Although demonstrations began peacefully, masked groups attacked police, damaged public buildings, looted shops and set vehicles on fire in several cities. The violence left authorities confronting both widespread destruction and continuing public dissatisfaction.
Disruption continued on Monday when student protesters blocked access to the Louvre museum in Paris, forcing its closure. Organisers have called for another round of demonstrations next Saturday.
Lecornu has not ruled out declaring a state of emergency if circumstances require it. However, he indicated that partial, localised curfews appeared better suited to the immediate situation.
The government’s response centres on restoring public order and protecting commercial areas following the weekend’s destruction. The prime minister’s position leaves open the possibility of stronger measures while authorities assess whether targeted restrictions can prevent renewed violence.
Further Demonstrations Test Government Response
The prospect of fresh protests adds urgency to efforts to stabilise affected neighbourhoods. Businesses face the consequences of damaged premises and disrupted activity, while demonstrators’ underlying concerns about household expenses and public services remain central to the mobilisation.
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For the government, the coming days will test whether nighttime restrictions can reduce disorder and help normal activity resume.
