WORLD
France imposes curfews as protests turn violent
The European Union condemned the violence as unacceptable but stressed that peaceful demonstrations must be protected.
PARIS (AFP) — France imposed partial curfews in Paris and other major cities Monday after protests over soaring living costs erupted into some of the country’s worst street violence in recent years, leaving nearly 1,000 security personnel injured.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu did not rule out declaring a state of emergency as authorities struggled to restore order following a weekend of violent demonstrations.
“I’m absolutely determined to restore public order,” Lecornu said.
Curfews took effect Monday night in Paris, Lille and Lyon, among other cities. In the capital, restrictions began at 11 p.m., while demonstrations were banned from 8 p.m.
More than 2,500 people were arrested nationwide, with 67 jailed and dozens of criminal cases opened, according to Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin.
At least 3,000 businesses were damaged, with losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of euros.
The unrest followed Saturday’s demonstrations involving about 500,000 people protesting rising living costs. Masked groups attacked police, looted stores, vandalized public buildings and set vehicles ablaze.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the “unbridled” violence and acknowledged shortcomings in the government’s response despite deploying 60,000 security personnel.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez offered to resign, but Macron rejected his resignation.
In Paris, the Louvre Museum closed Monday after student protesters blocked its entrance, disrupting visits to one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.
The US Embassy advised Americans to avoid demonstrations, while Germany and China issued travel warnings.
The European Union condemned the violence as “unacceptable” but stressed that peaceful demonstrations “must be protected.”
Organizers have called for another round of protests Saturday, raising concerns about further unrest ahead of France’s presidential election in April and May.
Similar cost-of-living demonstrations have spread across Europe, with clashes reported in Italy and Belgium and housing protests continuing in Spain and Portugal.