French authorities impose partial curfews in Paris, Nice
French authorities imposed curfews in parts of several cities on Monday night in response to criticism over security failings after cost-of-living and anti-government protests descended into rioting and looting over the weekend.
In the capital, Paris, police issued a curfew around the Place de la Republique and Les Halles from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. local time (9:00 p.m. to 04:00 UTC) on Tuesday morning, while protests were banned in certain other areas from 8 p.m.
"A police deployment is in place to ensure strict compliance with these measures," read a police statement.
On France's south coast, the mayor of Nice signed an order installing a curfew for minors in the city center overnight while nearby Marseille also banned gatherings and demonstrations.
Sources in Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's office told the Reuters news agency that curfews had also been set for minors between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. over the next two days in the northern city of Lille and the nearby towns of Douai, Wattignies and Denain with the agreement of local mayors.
"My determination to restore order is absolute," Lecornu told reporters, ruling out blanket curfews in Paris but not a potential state of emergency.
Foreign governments issue France travel warnings
Several countries around the world, including China, Malaysia, Germany and the United States, have advised citizens traveling to France to avoid large crowds and exercise caution in the wake of large-scale protests and looting in major cities.
China's Foreign Ministry urged Chinese nationals in France to remain alert to potential risks, increase safety precautions, and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.
Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that, while travel to France remains unrestricted, Malaysians are advised to consider postponing non-essential trips until the situation improves.
The Malaysian embassy in Paris has issued an advisory urging citizens already in France to exercise caution and remain vigilant.
The US State Department issued an alert on Monday warning Americans to avoid demonstrations in major French cities, while an alert issued by the American embassy in Paris noted new curfews ordered in cities including Paris and Lille.
"Avoid the areas of the demonstrations," the warning said.
And in Europe, some of France's direct neighbors have also issued travel advice to citizens.
The German Foreign Ministry said further riots couldn't be ruled out and urged German nationals to follow instructions from local police. It warned citizens that they could face fines if they fail to adhere to requests to leave unauthorized demonstrations.
Governments in the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway also issued warnings to avoid protests.
Where are curfews in place in France?
Authorities in France have announced localized curfews in several areas including:
- In northern France, including Lille, Douai, Denain and Wattignies, a curfew for minors is in place for the next two days from 8 p.m. (1800 GMT) to 6 a.m.
- In the south, including Nice, where a specific curfew is in place for minors in the city center
- Two areas in Paris, where curfew prohibits anyone from entering or remaining on the Place de la République, where rioting took place Saturday, and the shopping neighborhood of Les Halles, which has been subject to looting
- The partial curfew in Paris went into effect at 11 p.m. Monday and remains in place until 6 a.m. Tuesday
Are there more protests planned in France?
The answer is yes. French unions have called for a new round of rallies on November 5.
Earlier on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron blamed organized ultraleft groups for the rioting and looting on Saturday.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday that he was "fully resolved to restore public order."
He called for imposing localized curfews, as is in place overnight into Tuesday (see below), but said there was "no question" of imposing a full curfew on entire cities.
But Lecornu refused to rule out declaring a state of emergency, which would give authorities sweeping powers to restrict public gatherings. ALSO READ: Emmanuel Macron slams 'failures' over protest unrest in France but refuses his interior minister's resignation
