Violent protests over rising living costs prompt France to impose night curfews in Paris and other cities (Img: X)
France: France has announced partial night curfews in Paris and four other northern cities following violent protests over the rising cost of living. The demonstrations, which drew hundreds of thousands of people across the country, escalated into clashes, looting and attacks on public buildings.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu vowed to restore public order and did not rule out declaring a state of emergency as authorities faced mounting pressure to contain the unrest.
According to the Prime Minister’s office, curfews were scheduled from 8 pm to 6 am on Monday and Tuesday in four northern cities, including Lille. Paris also announced a partial protest ban, while authorities in Marseille restricted public gatherings.
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The government’s response followed widespread violence during weekend demonstrations. Masked groups reportedly attacked police, looted shops, damaged vehicles and set fire to public buildings.
Around 500,000 people took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest soaring living costs, marking the peak of a month-long movement that initially began with students demanding improved conditions in high schools.
While the demonstrations started peacefully, violence erupted in several areas. Masked protesters clashed with police, stormed town halls and other public buildings, set some structures on fire, looted shops and torched vehicles, including cars, bicycles and scooters.
Organisers have called for another round of protests next Saturday, raising concerns about further unrest.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez offered his resignation after the violence but President Emmanuel Macron rejected it. The government acknowledged shortcomings in its response despite deploying around 60,000 law enforcement personnel.
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Officials reported thousands of arrests and injuries among security personnel. Thousands of shops were also affected, with losses estimated at hundreds of millions of euros.
France’s digital minister urged online resale platforms, including eBay and Vinted, to remove listings suspected of advertising stolen goods following reports of widespread looting.
In Paris, demonstrators blocked the entrance to the Louvre museum on Monday, leaving tourists stranded outside barricades as the attraction remained closed.
Rising fuel and food prices have intensified public anger. The unrest comes months before France’s presidential election, adding to political tensions.
Elsewhere in Europe, demonstrations over living costs have also triggered clashes in Belgium and Italy, while housing protests continue in Spain and Portugal.
