French PM Plans Targeted Curfews After Violent Weekend Protests

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced plans to introduce targeted curfews in areas affected by looting and violence during weekend protests. The restrictions were expected to begin on Monday evening, as the government moved to restore order and protect businesses.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Lecornu said he had instructed regional prefects to introduce partial curfews in selected locations. He described the unrest as largely concentrated in specific urban areas and said the government was prepared to take further action if the situation deteriorated.

Although Lecornu did not rule out declaring a state of emergency, he indicated that targeted curfews were currently a more suitable response.

The prime minister stressed that authorities would not allow looting to continue unchecked. France's Interior Ministry was expected to publish a detailed map of the affected areas later on Monday.

Government Announces Support for Affected Businesses

The government has also pledged financial assistance to businesses damaged during the protests. According to Lecornu, partial unemployment measures would take effect from Tuesday to help shopkeepers whose operations had been disrupted.

Public funding would also be made available to support affected businesses. However, the prime minister emphasised that financial assistance would have limited value unless authorities could restore public order quickly.

French Trade Minister Serge Papin estimated that at least 3,000 businesses had been affected by the unrest over the weekend.

Thousands Arrested as Violence Spreads

The scale of the demonstrations has placed significant pressure on French law enforcement agencies. According to figures released by the Interior Ministry on Sunday, approximately 550,000 people participated in protests across France on Saturday.

Authorities reported 2,397 arrests during demonstrations that were marred by violent incidents. A total of 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured, including seven who sustained serious injuries.

In Marseille, authorities introduced additional restrictions in response to the unrest. The Bouches-du-Rhône police prefecture announced a ban on all gatherings and demonstrations across the city from noon until 8 p.m. local time on Monday.

Macron Vows Legal Action Against Those Responsible

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to pursue legal action against individuals responsible for violence during Saturday's protests. The government's response reflects growing concerns about public safety, damage to commercial properties and the wider economic consequences of the unrest.

Demonstrations also took place in several major European cities over the weekend. Protesters expressed frustration over rising living costs, housing shortages and pressure on public services.

The French government now faces the challenge of containing further violence while helping affected businesses recover. Targeted curfews, police restrictions and financial support are expected to play a central role in its immediate response.