French officials are imposing localised curfews — including in parts of Paris — as the country grapples with the fallout from its worst rioting in years.
The move comes after protests over education and the cost of living spiralled into a wave of deadly, nationwide violence over the weekend that has sparked a political blame game at home and threatens to spill over into its European neighbours.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu credited the “targeted curfews” with helping maintain calm overnight into Tuesday, and warned that local authorities are considering whether to impose similar measures for a further night.
The curfews covered popular areas in Paris including the Place de la République, an iconic square, and streets around the Les Halles food market. Other measures temporarily banned gatherings, or imposed curfews for minors, in cities and communes including Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain.
These emergency measures were introduced after more than 2 000 people were arrested this past weekend, with at least two deaths and reports of serious injuries, including two people who lost their hands.
During the protests police fired tear gas into crowds and fought running battles with black-clad, hooded rioters who set fires and broke into thousands of shops and government buildings, with images showing historic buildings ablaze.
As France begins to count the cost, accusations are mounting that the government failed to adequately anticipate the scale of the crisis. And the political fallout could prove significant, deepening faultlines between the major parties with an election to succeed French President Emmanuel Macron just six months away.
The vast majority of protesters have been peaceful, authorities and political leaders stress – but the level of fighting and destruction has shaken the nation and prompted forceful condemnations from leaders and the public alike.
“Those who destroyed must pay,” Macron said on Sunday evening. “Those who looted must pay back. Those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable.”
He also promised to hold meetings this week to discuss “concrete proposals” and to listen to protesters’ demands. But it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to stem the protests in France – as well as similar demonstrations against costs of living now spreading in other countries nearby. (CNN)