In brief
Over two thousand arrests have been made in a series of protests that began this month over rising living costs and school conditions. French police have introduced curfews in central Paris and other cities such as Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, and Lyon, while wounded officers and civilians report serious injuries. The government is allocating funds for recovery, considering a state of emergency, and tightening enforcement of stolen‑goods listings on resale platforms.
French authorities have imposed overnight curfews in parts of central Paris and other major cities following a weekend of riots and looting across the country.
Police in Paris announced a curfew running from 23:00 local time to 06:00 in areas such as Place de la République and Les Halles. A ban on unauthorised gatherings was also applied to several parts of the city centre.
Partial curfews aimed at restricting movement for young people were introduced in Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, and also in Lille and other northern towns.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted police had lost control in some locations after criticism from opposition politicians. Prime Minister said local mayors now have the power to impose curfews where needed, though no specific cities were named yet.
The government indicated that a state of emergency might be considered, and that it will set aside funds to help affected regions recover. Those deemed responsible for property damage will face financial penalties.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a scheme offering partial unemployment benefits to workers who could not earn wages because of the unrest.
More than 2,500 people have been arrested. One protester suffered a blown‑off hand from a police crowd‑control grenade, while roughly 1,000 officers were injured.
Investigators are analysing 200 sets of CCTV footage to identify possible ringleaders. Though Interior Minister tried to resign, President Macron refused, citing the need for command continuity. The administration is required to correct intelligence shortcomings.
Damage to shops and businesses is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros. Store owners are in distress, and stolen items are being removed from resale platforms. A Vinted spokesperson confirmed that sales of stolen goods are strictly prohibited.
Some 550,000 demonstrators gathered across the country over the weekend, citing fuel price hikes, living‑cost concerns, and deteriorating public services, including schools.
Masked rioters set fire to cars and buildings in Paris, Marseille and other cities, and the 19th‑century city hall in Limoges was gutted as flames took hold of the clock tower and roof.
The U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert advising citizens to avoid affected areas. Similar warnings were issued by China and Germany.
Accusations have surfaced that the left‑wing La France Insoumise party may be influencing violence. The party leader said the Prime Minister should prove any accusation or apologise instead of stoking disorder.
