French officials are imposing localized curfews, including in parts of Paris, as the country reels from its worst rioting in years. The measures follow protests over education and the cost of living that escalated into deadly, nationwide violence over the weekend, sparking a blame game at home and raising fears of spillover into neighboring European countries.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked some cities to impose "partial curfews" to protect people, property and businesses. Paris' Place de la République and the streets around Les Halles are under curfew overnight, while Lyon, Marseille, Nice and several towns in the Nord department have introduced their own restrictions, some covering minors only. More than 2,000 people were arrested over the weekend, with at least two deaths and serious injuries, including two people who lost their hands.
During the clashes, police fired tear gas into crowds as hooded rioters set fires, broke into shops and government buildings, and damaged historic structures. President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that "those who destroyed must pay" and that those who sought to bring down the Republic would be held accountable. He also promised meetings this week to discuss "concrete proposals" and to hear protesters' demands.
The unrest began in September with a strike by students and teachers in the Parisian suburbs demanding more staff and resources. A heavy-handed police response, including a video of an officer using a banned headlock on a girl, fueled public anger and drew hundreds of thousands onto the streets. The movement has since broadened to capture discontent over affordability, unemployment, a growing wealth divide and government inaction, with an election to succeed Macron just six months away.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing