France Imposes Curfews in Paris and Other Cities After Weekend of Riots

French authorities set curfews in parts of Paris, Lille and Nice on Monday after a weekend of riots and looting that grew out of nationwide anti-government protests. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ruled out a blanket curfew in Paris but not a state of emergency, saying his determination to restore order is absolute.

Paris Curfew and Local Restrictions

Paris police barred protests in certain areas from 8 p.m. and set a curfew around Place de la Republique and Les Halles from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. Tuesday. A curfew for minors was set in Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain, and in central Nice, while Marseille banned gatherings. Unions called for new strikes on November 5.

Arrests, Injuries and Shop Damage

The Interior Ministry said about 2,400 people were arrested, one protester died and nearly 1,000 officers were injured. Almost 3,000 shops were affected, and the government promised furlough measures from Tuesday.

Political Fallout for Macron’s Government

Lecornu blamed far-left groups, while Jean-Luc Melenchon demanded evidence. Macron refused Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s offer to resign and ordered him to end the looting and be open about intelligence failings. The mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon said parts of their cities felt left without protection, and French assets lagged European markets as the government still needs to pass a budget bill.