France is facing its sharpest wave of unrest in years as protests over rising living costs and deteriorating school conditions escalate into clashes, arrests and calls for tighter controls.
At least 2,400 people have been arrested nationwide, according to authorities, as demonstrations spread across cities and incidents of rioting and looting were reported.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has urged authorities to impose “limited” and “localized” curfews in areas considered most vulnerable to disorder.
The proposed measures are intended to curb nighttime violence while allowing peaceful demonstrations to continue.
The protests reflect mounting public frustration over household finances and pressure on the country’s education system. Officials now face the challenge of restoring order without further inflaming tensions or restricting lawful dissent.
Authorities are expected to assess local conditions before deciding where curfews may be introduced, while security forces remain deployed in affected areas.