France curfews bring calm after riots as more than 2,500 arrested

Curfews were introduced in parts of Paris and other French cities following days of unrest. More than 2,500 people have been arrested since the disorder began, according to officials.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says targeted curfews helped restore calm in several cities after a weekend of riots and looting, as authorities consider whether to extend restrictions to prevent further violence.

Lecornu said further curfews on Tuesday night would depend on local conditions, with regional authorities and mayors deciding where additional restrictions were necessary.

In a post on X, the prime minister said decisions would be made “on the ground”, while thanking police officers and gendarmes for enforcing the measures.

Restrictions introduced in major cities

In Paris, restrictions covered parts of the city centre, including Place de la République, where protesters had gathered over the weekend, and the Les Halles shopping area.

Authorities also introduced measures restricting the movement of young people and public gatherings in cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Lyon in the south, as well as Lille and other towns in the north.

The measures are intended to contain the unrest and prevent further incidents following the weekend's violence.

However, the government has faced questions over its handling of the disorder, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledging that police had “lost control” in some cities.

Nuñez faced strong criticism from opposition politicians over preparations for the unrest. He offered his resignation on Monday, but President Emmanuel Macron rejected it.

Police injuries reported amid continuing tensions

The violence has resulted in injuries among both demonstrators and law enforcement officers.

About 1,000 police officers were injured, according to the supplied report. The AFP news agency also reported that one demonstrator lost a hand after being struck by a police crowd-control grenade.

The figures highlight the scale of the confrontation as authorities seek to restore order while managing public demonstrations.

Protests widen beyond initial demands

The protests began last month, with students demanding better conditions in schools. They have since expanded to encompass a broader range of grievances, with trade unions and various protest groups joining demonstrations.

The growing participation has widened the scope of the unrest beyond its initial focus on education.

For now, the French government's response centres on targeted curfews and restrictions on gatherings, with local authorities expected to assess whether further measures are needed.