France has imposed partial curfews in several cities, including parts of Paris, after authorities admitted that police had “lost control” during a wave of violent protests and looting across the country.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government was determined to restore public order. Partial curfews were introduced from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in four northern cities, including Lille. In Paris, restrictions were imposed overnight in Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district, both affected by unrest and looting. Marseille separately banned all gatherings and demonstrations on Monday.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged serious failures in preparations, admitting that police numbers had sometimes been insufficient. Authorities had anticipated around 200,000 demonstrators nationwide, but more than 500,000 took part. Nuñez offered his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who rejected it and instead demanded a full review of security planning and intelligence failures.
The scale of the unrest has been significant. According to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, 2,513 people had been arrested and 67 imprisoned since the violence began. Nearly 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, while authorities reported attacks on public buildings and the looting of approximately 2,000 shops.
The protests, involving students, teachers, parents, trade unions and workers, have focused on the rising cost of living and wider social grievances. Demonstrations continued on Monday, when protesters blocked entrances to the Louvre Museum in Paris, forcing it to delay opening.
The government is considering further security measures, while French trade unions have called for another round of strikes and demonstrations on November 5.
With presidential elections six months away, France faces mounting economic pressure, growing public anger and a serious challenge to public order. The central question is whether the government can address the grievances driving the protests without allowing violence and looting to spread further.
