French authorities have extended the night curfew beyond the capital, adding Nice, Lyon, and part of the Gironde province to the list of restricted areas. The decision comes amid fierce protests held nationwide over the weekend. According to the BFMTV channel and the Anadolu news agency, the curfew in Paris is in effect from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM around the Place de la République and the streets surrounding Les Halles, while demonstrations have been banned in certain parts of the capital from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Different Regimes in Different Cities
The restrictions are not uniform across the country: each region is implementing its own schedule and scope. In Lyon, a curfew has been established from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM in parts of the Presqu'île district located in the city center. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi announced a nighttime restriction for minors on downtown streets. Estrosi explained that the measure aims to protect citizens from "gangs that caused disturbances on the streets last weekend." Authorities emphasize that in Paris, the curfew applies to all citizens, not just minors.
Gironde: Restrictions Until October 26
In the Gironde province in southwestern France, a curfew has been introduced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM for minors unaccompanied by adults; it will last until October 26. Local authorities stated that the measure covers areas particularly affected by looting and vandalism recorded on October 17. Previously, similar but more localized restrictions for two nights were introduced in four northern regions — Lille, Douai, Wattignies, and Denain — with the approval of local mayors.
Official Protest Statistics
According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, about 550,000 people participated in 110 demonstrations nationwide on October 17, including around 110,000 in Paris. According to his data, about 400 people were detained across the country. On October 19, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that he had instructed provincial governors to introduce partial and local curfews due to the unrest.
Cause: Protests Against the Cost of Living
The tightening of security measures and the introduction of curfews across France were the authorities' reaction to the violence and looting that accompanied nationwide protests over the weekend. Their main themes were the rising cost of living and fuel price increases. Thus, the expansion of night restrictions beyond Paris reflects the authorities' attempt to localize unrest in areas where it caused the most damage and prevent its repetition in the coming nights.
