French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Monday announced plans for partial and localized evening curfews following violence and looting during weekend protests, as authorities moved to restore public order and protect businesses.
Speaking to reporters after an interministerial crisis meeting, Lecornu said he had instructed prefects, the government’s local representatives, to introduce restrictions in affected areas.
“I have asked prefects to trigger a number of curfews for this evening,” he said, adding that the measures would be “partial” and “very localized.”
He explained that prefects would consult mayors and business representatives before determining where the restrictions would apply, with the aim of protecting residents, public safety and property.
“There is no question of placing all of Paris under curfew. That would make no sense,” Lecornu said.
The prime minister did not rule out declaring a state of emergency if the situation required it, but maintained that targeted curfews were currently the more appropriate response.
“My determination to restore order is total,” he said.
Lecornu also announced what he described as a “very significant, massive judicial operation” beginning Monday, involving nearly 200 investigators from the Paris police prefecture. The investigators will examine photographs and video footage to identify those suspected of involvement in the unrest.
“First and foremost, those who caused the damage must pay,” he said.
To support businesses affected by the violence and looting, the government will introduce a short-time work scheme from Tuesday and establish a dedicated support fund to help companies address immediate cash-flow difficulties.
“This is a measure to protect employment,” Lecornu said.
He further pledged consultations with political parties on campaign security and policing, alongside discussions with trade unions on measures to safeguard demonstrations.
Despite the unrest, the prime minister emphasized that many participants had demonstrated peacefully during Saturday’s protests.
“Many people demonstrated peacefully last Saturday, and that must be said again,” he stressed.
