France orders night curfews after weekend riots; about 2,400 arrested
PARIS — Parts of France go under curfew tonight after a weekend of rioting and looting that grew out of nationwide protests over the cost of living.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Monday he has directed regional prefects to impose “very limited” and “localized” curfews. Four northern cities, Lille among them, will be under curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday and Tuesday nights.
The trouble started Saturday. Demonstrations against rising living costs, fuel prices and conditions in French schools turned violent in cities across the country, and authorities arrested about 2,400 people. Rioters set fire to Limoges city hall. Hundreds of businesses were looted. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged police had lost control in some major cities.
Sunday brought no relief. Groups set trash bins and bicycles on fire and looted shops in Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
No one has died. Lecornu called that a miracle and defended officers who faced violent crowds. Marseille’s prefect banned all protests and public gatherings Monday from noon to 8 p.m., and Nuñez said more police and gendarmes will deploy ahead of next weekend.
Sources:
- Associated Press via PBS NewsHour: French Prime Minister Lecornu calls for localized curfews in cities to curb rioting and looting
- Euronews: France announces Monday and Tuesday night curfews in northern cities
- The National News Desk: French PM calls for curfews after riots engulf cities and damage historic city hallF
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