France Imposes Overnight Curfews In Paris: All You Need To Know
France is facing widespread unrest following weeks of student protests that escalated into violent clashes, looting, and damage to public property.
More than 2,400 people have been arrested across the country, while an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 businesses have been vandalised or looted, according to reports.
The damage has affected shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, luxury boutiques and electronics stores, with early estimates pointing to losses worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
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The protests began with students demanding better school facilities, more teachers and improved learning conditions.
They have since expanded into a wider movement driven by public anger over rising living costs, high fuel prices and pressure on household budgets.
France is also facing concerns over economic stagnation, with inflation reported at 3.4 per cent and energy costs rising amid international tensions and trade disruptions.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has authorised regional authorities to impose localised curfews to prevent further violence and protect businesses.
In Paris, an overnight curfew from 11 pm to 6 am has been imposed around Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district, with demonstrations also banned during restricted hours.
In Nice, curfews have targeted minors and young people. Restrictions have also been introduced in Lille, Wattignies, Douai and Denain, while curfews in parts of Lyon began at 7 pm. The timing and scope of the restrictions vary by location.
The government has defended the measures as necessary to restore order, while acknowledging concerns over the scale of the violence.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez faced criticism over the police response and offered his resignation, but President Emmanuel Macron rejected it and asked him to remain in office.
Nuñez acknowledged that the authorities had initially struggled to control the scale of the unrest.
Macron has called for changes to law enforcement measures and action against those involved in violence and looting.
