France Maintains Local Curfews After Weekend Rioting and Looting

French authorities maintained targeted curfews in parts of Paris and other cities after nationwide protests over living costs and public services descended into rioting, arson and looting over the weekend.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu asked regional officials to impose “partial” and “localised” restrictions to protect businesses. Curfews were introduced in areas of Paris, Lille and Nice, while Marseille restricted gatherings and demonstrations. Lecornu said the measures helped produce a generally calm Monday night and would be reimposed where necessary. He ruled out a blanket curfew in Paris but said the government was prepared to declare a state of emergency if needed.

In Paris, protesters also blocked entrances to the Louvre in support of a nationwide student movement and to denounce what they called police repression, delaying the museum’s opening. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez acknowledged that police had “lost control” in some cities and said President Emmanuel Macron rejected his offer to resign.

More than 500,000 people participated in Saturday’s demonstrations, and 2,397 people were arrested that day, according to Interior Ministry figures cited by the Taipei Times. Another 108 arrests were reported in Paris following vandalism Sunday night.

India’s embassy advised its nationals in France to remain vigilant, avoid protest areas and follow local instructions. Protest groups have called for further demonstrations, including rallies on Saturday, while trade unions have announced a November 5 strike.