In brief
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that a patchwork of curfews imposed across Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and other cities has led to a quiet night following weeks of unrest. While police say they effectively stopped the riots, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admits temporary loss of control in several towns, sparking a resignation offer that President Macron rebuffed. More than 2,500 people have been arrested, with 1,000 officers injured, and a demonstrator’s hand was blown off by a crowd‑control grenade. Decision‑making for future curfews will now be delegated to regional authorities and local mayors on an "on the ground" basis.
Targeted curfews across France have settled a weekend of vandalism and looting, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu told the nation. The measures began in central Paris – notably the Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping area – and extended to Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, Lille and other towns.
Lecornu praised police and gendarmes for enforcing the orders, noting that any further curfews on Tuesday night would be decided locally, as written in a post on X. He added that regional and municipal authorities would assess on‑the‑ground needs.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who faced criticism over how well the state prepared for the disorder, admitted police had "lost control" in some cities. He offered his resignation, but President Emmanuel Macron declined. Over 2,500 arrests have been recorded, a demonstrator's hand was severed by a crowd‑control grenade, and around 1,000 officers were injured.
The unrest began last month with students demanding better school conditions but has since broadened. Trade unions and various protest groups have joined the rallies, amplifying the scale of demonstrations.
