France is preparing to impose fresh curfews in areas affected by unrest, as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu battles to restore order following some of the country’s worst street violence in recent years.
Lecornu said on Tuesday that new restrictions would be introduced wherever necessary, after partial curfews imposed in several cities helped prevent further disorder overnight.
“Targeted curfews have contributed to calm overnight,” the prime minister said, adding that local authorities would determine where additional measures were required.
The move comes after demonstrations over the rising cost of living and deteriorating school conditions escalated into widespread rioting, looting and attacks on public buildings.
Several cities, including Paris, Bordeaux and Nice, introduced partial curfews on Monday, while authorities also restricted demonstrations in parts of the capital. Further restrictions were expected in some areas as officials sought to prevent a fresh outbreak of violence.
Government under pressure
The unrest has placed the French government under intense pressure over its handling of public security, with authorities facing criticism for failing to anticipate the scale of the violence.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged shortcomings in the security response and offered to resign. However, President Emmanuel Macron rejected the offer and directed him to improve security planning and address intelligence failures.
More than 2,500 people had been taken into police custody since the violence began, according to figures reported on Tuesday, while dozens had been jailed.
The unrest has also taken a heavy toll on businesses. Preliminary estimates indicate that at least 3,000 businesses have been affected, prompting calls for government assistance to shopkeepers and other traders.
Finance Minister Roland Lescure has pledged support for businesses hit by the violence.
Anger beyond the streets
The demonstrations began amid weeks of student protests over poor conditions in high schools but grew into a wider expression of frustration over rising prices, public services and the cost of living.
The crisis comes at a politically sensitive time for France, with a presidential election expected in about six months and growing criticism of the government’s ability to maintain public order.
Opposition figures have seized on the unrest to question the government’s authority, while officials have blamed violent groups and opportunistic looters for exploiting otherwise peaceful demonstrations.
The government has also scheduled emergency discussions, including talks with representatives of major social media platforms, as authorities seek to address the spread of unrest and the resale of stolen goods online.
Despite the relative calm reported overnight, the prospect of further demonstrations remains a concern.
Lecornu’s latest measures signal a determination to contain the violence without immediately imposing a blanket curfew across entire cities.
For the French government, however, the challenge extends beyond restoring calm to the streets: it must also reassure a frustrated public that it can protect communities, businesses and public institutions while addressing the grievances fuelling the unrest.
