Localized curfews, state of emergency… What to remember from Sébastien Lecornu’s announcements to respond to the violence of October 17

The Prime Minister spoke on the steps of the Hôtel de Matignon on Monday October 19. Surrounded by several ministers including Laurent Nuñez, Minister of the Interior, Sébastien Lecornu notably mentioned future curfews as well as responses to the expectations of traders.

Sébastien Lecornu began his speech by pointing out the origins and responsibilities of the violence. “We have an ultra-left movement which wants to organize (a) deep disorder in the country”, until the presidential election. “There is a whole nebula that can be activated to even call into question the calendar of the presidential election and the holding of the presidential election,” he assured at the end of the interministerial crisis unit. He said he would hold “a specific point” with the Minister of the Interior and the intelligence services on this issue. He therefore claims to have taken “measures” put in place “as of this evening to stem the thugs.”

“Partial and localized” curfews

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that he had asked the prefects to “trigger a certain number of curfews” Monday evening which will be “partial” and “localized” in order to protect businesses in particular, after a weekend marked by scenes of chaos in several cities.

The map of these curfews should be able to be communicated in the afternoon, after discussions with the mayors concerned, affirmed Sébastien Lecornu at the end of an interministerial crisis unit. As for the state of emergency and the activation of article 16 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister does not rule it out: it will be introduced “if it is useful”, but the curfews “seem more appropriate”.

Partial unemployment and support funds for businesses

The Prime Minister also announced “partial unemployment” measures from Tuesday in businesses affected by the violence and looting. He also mentioned “specific support funds” for affected businesses.

“We have decided to trigger partial unemployment from tomorrow, we are doing it immediately at 100% (...) There is no question of there being any social breakdown in this matter.” “We are going to release a specific support fund for all of these businesses,” added the Prime Minister because “many traders had already stocked up, including for Christmas” and “there is a need for cash”.

A reinforced police force this Saturday

“We are going to further strengthen the police and gendarmerie numbers on the ground, particularly this weekend,” explained Laurent Nuñez, while a new day of mobilization is planned for next Saturday. “Already yesterday (Sunday) evening, things moved a little in Paris, in certain regional towns. Lots of mobility, lots of responsiveness. We will put all this in place,” he added.