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The measures were introduced through an order issued by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Monday (October 19). However, the government is not moving towards declaring a state of emergency at this stage.
Speaking to journalists, Lecornu said the government was determined to restore order across the country. He argued that imposing curfews in specific areas was more appropriate under the current circumstances than declaring a nationwide state of emergency.
According to Paris police, demonstrations have been banned in several areas of the capital from 8pm local time. Curfews will also remain in effect in the Place de la République and Les Halles areas from 11pm until 6am on Tuesday. Police have been deployed in the affected areas to enforce the restrictions.
Sources at the prime minister’s office said that, with the consent of local mayors, restrictions on the nighttime movement of minors had been imposed in Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain from 8pm to 6am on Tuesday and Wednesday. Nice Mayor Éric Ciotti has also imposed a curfew restricting minors’ nighttime movement in the city centre.
Meanwhile, all gatherings and demonstrations have been banned in Marseille. Amid the unrest, French labour unions have called for fresh strikes and rallies on November 5.
Clashes between protesters and police, looting and acts of violence were reported in several parts of France on Saturday and Sunday. Students had also been staging protests for several weeks, demanding improvements in the education system.
The renewed unrest, emerging six months before the presidential election, has heightened concerns over France’s political and economic situation. The government is facing the challenge of managing the crisis amid a weak economy and mounting public debt.
