Curfews declared across French cities amid unrest, looting

France has imposed nighttime curfews across central Paris and several major cities, banning public gatherings in select areas to regain control following severe rioting and widespread looting.

The government has simultaneously pledged financial assistance to restore and rebuild damaged areas.

According to British media outlet BBC, more than 2,500 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest, while approximately 1,000 police officers have sustained injuries. The BBC reported that damages caused by vandalism and looting have already exceeded several hundred million euros.

The protests, initially sparked by public anger over the rising cost of living, fuel prices, and deteriorating public services, drew an estimated 550,000 demonstrators nationwide before escalating into violent clashes involving arson attacks on vehicles and buildings, alongside commercial looting.

A curfew has been enacted in Paris from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM local time covering the Place de la République and Les Halles shopping district. Similar restrictions and curfews have been enforced in other key cities, including Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, and Lille.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that special funds will be allocated to help rebuild riot-ravaged communities, emphasizing that the government will also pursue compensation from those responsible for the violence. He did not rule out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency if the situation demands it.

Data from the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry indicates that over 2,000 shops and commercial establishments have suffered damage, with total losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of euros, according to chamber chief Alain Di Crescenzo.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that security forces temporarily lost control of the situation in several urban centers. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron rejected an offer of resignation tendered by the Interior Minister.

-SA