France Introduces New Curfews Amid Rioting

France will introduce new curfews in areas where necessary starting Tuesday (October 20, 2026), Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced. He noted that previous night curfews in several cities had helped maintain order.

The country faced severe rioting on Saturday (October 17, 2026), just six months before national elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron. The government has promised to restore order and imposed partial curfews in Paris and other cities on Monday (October 19, 2026).

Lecornu stated that targeted curfews contributed to overnight calm. He added that new curfews would be decided based on local conditions by regional officials.

Police reported no major incidents nationwide during the night. Cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Nice implemented curfews in response to recent unrest following student protests over poor school conditions.

In Paris, a helicopter with a searchlight monitored compliance at Place de la Republique. In Lyon, despite a demonstration ban, hundreds gathered to support shopkeepers affected by looting. A banner read “Anti-Rioters Lyon” and called for the mayor’s resignation.

The government held emergency meetings on Tuesday, including discussions with social media representatives. Finance Minister Roland Lescure promised aid for small businesses. Patrick Martin, head of France’s Medef business group, criticized the state for failing during the unrest, which affected at least 3,000 businesses.