French Cities Introduce Curfews for Minors During World Cup Amidst Violence Concerns

Which city will be next to follow suit?

After several major conurbations such as Toulouse or Clermont-Ferrand, Moulins (19,000 inhabitants) on Friday in turn introduced (source in French) a night-time curfew for under-16s for the duration of the FIFA World Cup.

The move follows several episodes of urban violence in recent weeks, notably after PSG’s victory in the Champions League.

In the Pink City, the effects of this curfew will be seen for the first time on Saturday evening, during the much-anticipated clash between Brazil and Morocco.

The municipality led by Jean-Luc Moudenc, a centre-right politician, explains (source in French) that the aim is to “guarantee the safety of Toulouse residents and minors”. It points out that the decree, which imposes a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. across an extended area of the city centre, was adopted “in consultation with the prefecture and the national police”.

Minors are still allowed to be out if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or for specific reasons such as a medical emergency.

A mix of stick and carrot: alongside the announcement of the curfew came the promise of a fan zone able to host up to 18,000 supporters, a demand notably pushed by the left-wing opposition. It will be set up on the Île du Ramier for France’s matches if they reach the quarter-finals, semi-finals or the final.

The decree has been condemned (source in French) by LFI MP François Piquemal, a former rival of Jean-Luc Moudenc in the municipal elections, who describes the measure as “madness” and believes that “young people will be particularly penalised” throughout the tournament.

No quarter in Clermont-Ferrand

The historic capital of Auvergne could become a destination for those looking to escape the World Cup atmosphere: Republicans (LR) mayor Julien Bony has announced the toughest measures so far to regulate the event.

On top of a curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., punishable by a €150 fine if breached, the city will not host any fan zone, “even if France reach the final”.

The right-wing mayor has also asked bars showing matches to turn their screens towards the inside of their premises to avoid crowds gathering in the streets.

The authorities justify these restrictions by citing the incidents that occurred after the Champions League final on 30 May, and again on 5 June, “following calls for riots circulated on social networks”.

Little appetite for fan zones in major cities

While Marseille, run by the Socialists, is not planning to set up a fan zone, according to the local press, Paris has yet to finalise the exact arrangements – the city authorities having merely, through the voice of the Socialist first deputy mayor, Lamia El Aaraje, expressed a desire to create one.

In Lyon, the Green-led city hall told Euronews that setting up a fan zone is a “possibility”, “depending on how far” Les Bleus go. For now, it “invites Lyon residents to watch the matches in the various bars, bistros and restaurants showing them”.

Some have nevertheless already decided to play along. Strasbourg will show France’s matches on a giant screen, as well as on bar terraces.

In Vénissieux, in the Rhône department, LFI mayor Idir Boumertit is going even further, promising his constituents on X “a great popular summer”. On the programme: match screenings at different locations around the city, “with a refreshment and barbecue area”.

According to the mayor, the municipality wanted to show “matches involving teams from every continent and every region of the world”, while regretting that many fixtures are scheduled in the middle of the night because of the time difference.