Politics · 2026-10-19 · Afternoon briefing

France imposes curfews after widespread protests and looting

France's Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has ordered local authorities to impose “partial curfews” following a weekend of widespread protests and looting. The measures are a response to demonstrations by teachers, students, and others upset by the rising cost of living. A special support fund will be established for an estimated 3,000 businesses affected by the damage.

The government is scrambling to contain the political fallout. President Emmanuel Macron's televised address on the matter was poorly received, and his interior minister offered a resignation which Macron refused. While the government blames “ultra-left” movements for the violence, the Paris prosecutor stated she could not confirm this based on arrests made so far. With new union-led protests planned for November 5th, the government is keen to avoid a repeat of the 2018 Yellow Jackets movement.

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France imposes curfews after widespread protests and looting

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