France seeks local curfews after riots as retailers report almost 3,000 shops affected

Paris, France. France’s central government on Monday asked some local authorities to introduce curfews following a weekend marked by rioting and looting linked to nationwide protests against the government. The administration also faced pressure over security shortcomings.

Targeted restrictions favoured

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said at a press conference that a state of emergency remained an option, but that limited curfews in selected areas were more appropriate for the time being. He did not identify the cities concerned and rejected a citywide curfew for Paris.

“My determination to restore order is absolute,” he said.

The unrest, which included looting and clashes involving some demonstrators and police, came after weeks of student protests. It shook France with six months remaining before the next presidential election, underscoring strains associated with economic weakness and rising debt.

Dispute over responsibility

Lecornu attributed some of the country’s most serious unrest in years to far-left groups. He said a far-left movement wanted to provoke profound disorder ahead of the presidential vote.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, a hard-left candidate for president, challenged Lecornu on X to produce evidence. Failing that, he said, the prime minister should apologise, remain silent and stop aggravating the unrest.

Retailers request support

The Federation of Trade and Retail reported that almost 3,000 shops were affected during the weekend. It said retailers were again bearing the brunt of events despite already being weakened by repeated crises.

The federation said owners, workers and their families had lost years of effort within hours when shops were ransacked. It requested relief on taxes and social security contributions for affected businesses.

Lecornu said the government would make furlough measures available from Tuesday.