Curfew declared in some cities in France

The government took action after the mass demonstrations that spread across the country in France over the weekend turned into violence and looting.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that he has instructed governors to impose partial curfews at the local level starting from Monday evening. Lecornu, who appeared before the press after the inter-ministerial crisis meeting, said that he was fully determined to restore public order.

Stating that a state of emergency could be declared if necessary, the Prime Minister stated that targeted partial restrictions were deemed more appropriate at the current stage.

Curfews

After protest organizers called for new demonstrations next Saturday, the government announced that a partial curfew would be imposed between 20.00 and 06.00 on Mondays and Tuesdays in four cities in the north of the country, including Lille.

It was stated that the decision aimed to protect businesses and prevent new incidents of violence.

CURFEW IN PARIS TOO

According to the French television channel BFM TV, following the violent incidents over the weekend, a curfew was decided in the capital Paris.

Authorities announced that a curfew will be imposed on the streets around Republic Square (Place de la République) and Les Halles from 22:00 on Monday night until 06:00 on Tuesday morning.

Thus, following the events that took place across the country at the weekend, security measures were extended to the capital Paris.

While Prime Minister Lecornu did not give details on which cities the ban would be imposed or the scope of the restrictions, he strictly ruled out a step that would cover the entire capital.

"Putting the whole of Paris under curfew is out of the question, it makes no sense," Lecornu said. he said.

Governors will consult with mayors and business representatives before determining measures to ensure the safety of life and property.

Speaking at the same press conference, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that there were no plans to postpone the football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona to be played on Tuesday evening.

According to Ministry of Internal Affairs data, more than half a million people participated in the protests across the country.

While approximately 2,400 people were detained during the events, nearly 1,000 police and firefighters were injured.

Throughout the weekend, masked and hooded groups looted shops, set vehicles on fire, targeted official buildings and clashed with police.

While tension continued in the Republic Square (Place de la République) in Paris on Sunday, a gathering ban was imposed in the southern city of Marseille, covering most of Monday.