French cities experienced a calmer night following the implementation of targeted curfews, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The restrictive measures were introduced to curb widespread unrest and looting that followed weekend protests across the country.
Authorities enacted the curfews after Prime Minister Lecornu granted local officials the power to impose localized restrictions. Affected areas included parts of central Paris, northern cities such as Lille, and Nice in the south, where a specific curfew targeting young people was announced. The unrest, which began last month as student demonstrations over school conditions, escalated into broader riots that officials estimate impacted approximately 2,000 businesses and resulted in thousands of arrests.
Lecornu defended the decisive actions, stating that the government would not be dictated to by lawbreakers and thieves. While overnight conditions have improved, officials have suggested that additional curfews could still be introduced if necessary to maintain order.