France plans localized curfews after weekend riots

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called on Monday for “very limited” and “localized” curfews after a weekend of rioting and looting damaged public buildings and businesses across the country. He said details would follow consultations with mayors. The announcement is therefore a planned security measure, not a nationwide curfew already in force.

Authorities reported at least 2,400 arrests and estimated that about 3,000 businesses were damaged or looted. Limoges City Hall was badly damaged by fire, while disorder continued in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities on Sunday night. Associated Press and the Guardian distinguished the violence from the largely peaceful demonstrations over living costs, school conditions and public services that preceded it.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered his resignation after criticism of police planning and intelligence, but President Emmanuel Macron rejected it and demanded a review of the failures. Lecornu said the absence of deaths was fortunate despite extensive damage. The government has not yet specified which municipalities will face restrictions, their hours or duration. Those details, and whether courts uphold any local orders, will determine how broad the measure becomes and whether it affects peaceful assembly as well as nighttime disorder.