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France imposes curfews as riots and looting spread across cities

Protests over living costs and school conditions turned violent over the weekend, drawing an estimated half-million-plus participants. Police have made 2,400 arrests.

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What happened

Protests across France against living costs and poor school conditions turned violent, with looting reported in Paris, Marseille, Limoges and other cities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez conceded that police lost control in some areas. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has since ordered local and partial curfews across the country, and Paris police imposed an overnight curfew in two areas of the capital.

Why it matters

Investors have pushed French borrowing costs wider relative to Germany's. Analysts say far-right leader Marine Le Pen stands to benefit before the 2027 presidential election.

Timeline

  1. Oct 19, 5:40 AM ET: Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered his resignation over the weekend's rioting and looting, but President Emmanuel Macron asked him to stay.
  2. Oct 19, 12:01 PM ET: Police made 2,400 arrests as riots and looting continued in several French cities.
  3. Oct 19, 12:48 PM ET: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordered local and partial curfews across the country.
  4. Oct 19, 1:37 PM ET: Paris police issued an overnight curfew in two areas of the capital to prevent further disorder.

Coverage

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