France: "Lockdown" continues, says Lecornu – New protests on Saturday, 2,500 arrests and 1,000 injured police officers
Curfews have been imposed in parts of Paris and other French cities following days of protests marked by violent incidents. According to statements by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the measures helped maintain peace during the past night.
The Prime Minister also stated that local authorities have the power to reimpose curfews tonight where deemed necessary. "Tonight, new curfews will be decided where the situation requires it. These decisions will be made on the ground by prefects in consultation with mayors," he wrote on X.
The French government, under intense criticism for its handling of the riots, is transferring more powers to mayors. The goal is to impose local curfews and restore order following looting and vandalism. Thus, responsibility is being shifted to local government ahead of the next major mobilizations.
In many cities, such as Lyon, Nice, Marseille, and Paris, restrictive measures were implemented. In Paris's Place de la République, the epicenter of the clashes, a total curfew was in effect over the weekend from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. In Lille and Nice, restrictions were imposed on minors, while in Marseille, gatherings were banned. The aim was to prevent young people from gathering in public spaces and starting new incidents.
Assessment of incidents and political pressure
According to the first official report from the Ministry of the Interior, there were approximately 2,500 arrests and about 1,000 police injuries. The following day, shopkeepers faced severe damage to their stores, with authorities reporting that 3,000 shops had been damaged.
President Emmanuel Macron admitted a failure of the security services. The Minister of the Interior also acknowledged a loss of control by the police and announced his intention to resign, but Macron did not accept the resignation.
Marine Le Pen and members of her party are calling for Macron's resignation, arguing that the government has lost the trust of the citizens. Public debate is focusing on the economy, the budget, and austerity measures, with Le Pen avoiding comment on her own proposals for stricter measures. There is concern in Paris regarding the strengthening of the far-right and the far-left.
A new mobilization is expected for Saturday with the large gathering of the Yellow Vests, while unions have announced strikes for Thursday, at the beginning of November.
