France Imposes Localized Curfews After Nationwide Cost-of-Living Riots

French authorities restored a fragile calm on Tuesday following a weekend of nationwide rioting and looting sparked by protests over the rising cost of living and deteriorating school conditions. Sebastien Lecornu, the Prime Minister, implemented localized overnight curfews in cities including Paris, Lille, Lyon, and Nice to protect property and people. In Paris, restrictions specifically targeted the Place de la République and Les Halles districts.

The unrest, which peaked on Saturday, resulted in the looting of approximately 3,000 businesses and the near-destruction of the historic Limoges city hall by fire. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 60,000 security forces were deployed, resulting in approximately 2,500 arrests and nearly 1,000 injuries among security personnel. Nuñez admitted that police "lost control" in some cities and offered his resignation, which President Emmanuel Macron refused, instead ordering an investigation into intelligence and planning failures.

Political reactions have been sharp, with National Rally leader Jordan Bardella claiming the government failed in its duty to protect citizens, while far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon disputed Lecornu's claims that far-left groups orchestrated the violence. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has pledged a firm judicial response, noting that some first-time offenders have already been jailed. Meanwhile, the National Assembly has launched an inquiry into the government's policing strategy. Despite the current lull, unions have already called for a major day of action this coming weekend.