France orders local curfews in Paris, Nice and other cities after unrest

French authorities issued local curfews on Monday, 19 October, in parts of Paris, Nice and other cities after weekend protests turned violent. The orders set different hours and restrictions by location, affecting access to central Paris overnight and placing separate limits on residents elsewhere, according to The Guardian and France 24.

The orders give specific locations and times to the local measures Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had called for after an emergency cabinet meeting. He said there was no question of imposing a curfew across entire cities. Earlier coverage described his call for local curfews; authorities have since issued orders for named areas.

Where the Paris restrictions apply

Curfew hours in northern cities, Lyon and Nice

Lecornu’s office announced partial curfews from 8pm to 6am on Monday and Tuesday nights in four northern cities, The Guardian reported. France 24 identified them as Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain, saying the orders would run for two days from Monday. Lyon also issued a curfew from 9pm Monday until 6am Tuesday, according to France 24.

Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti issued a curfew for minors beginning Monday evening, France 24 reported. Its update said the measure would remain in effect until Sunday, but did not give a calendar date. Unlike the Paris restrictions, the reported Nice order applies specifically to young people.

Government response to the weekend unrest

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that police had lacked sufficient numbers at times and that preparations for the protests had suffered from a lack of anticipation, The Guardian reported. He offered his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who refused it and demanded a review of planning and intelligence failures. Lecornu said a state of emergency could be declared if necessary, while describing partial curfews as the more appropriate measure at this stage.