The French authorities have imposed a curfew in certain areas of several cities, including Paris and Lille. This decision was taken after protests over rising prices at the weekend escalated into some of the largest street riots in recent years.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ruled out imposing a curfew across the whole of Paris, but did not rule out declaring a state of emergency. He said it was wiser at present to limit measures to specific areas.
“I am absolutely determined to restore order. The government will use all the means at its disposal if necessary,” he told journalists.
The Paris police announced a ban on protests in certain areas of the capital and the imposition of a curfew from 8.00 pm until 6.00 am on Tuesday. These measures, the police said, are intended to “protect people and property from the threat of violence and looting”.
A Reuters source at Lecornu’s office reported that, with the agreement of the local mayors in Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain, a curfew for minors is being introduced for the next two days – from 8.00 pm to 6.00 am.
The mayor of Nice has also announced a night-time curfew for minors in the city centre.