France imposes curfews after nationwide rioting
The gist
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu instructed prefects to impose "very limited" curfews after weekend rioting and looting.
The unrest comes six months before a presidential election, with security response under scrutiny.
How it unfolded
- Oct 17, 2026Major violence erupted Saturday during nationwide protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions; city halls, other public buildings and hundreds of businesses were targeted.
- Oct 18, 2026Groups set fires to trash bins, bicycles and other objects and looted businesses in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities on Sunday evening. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez offered his resignation.
- Oct 18, 2026In a televised address, Macron said "those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable."