After hundreds of arrests and extensive vandalism, French cities are given the opportunity to impose curfews.
Several cities in France has been given the opportunity to introduce a curfew on Monday evening.
This is what French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu says, according to the BBC, in the wake of the weekend’s demonstrations.
The curfews must be “partial” and local, he says, according to the AFP news agency.
The purpose is for it to protect both companies and people, continues Lecornu.
Hundreds of thousands were on the streets over the weekend and there were reports of vandalism and looting.
In Paris alone, between 300 and 400 businesses were vandalized, according to the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Nationwide, 2,000 businesses were affected, according to the French Chamber of Commerce, according to Reuters.
Marseille is one of the cities hardest hit by the riots.
A ban on public gatherings has been introduced here on Monday between 12 noon and 8 p.m., according to authorities in the city, according to AFP.
It is not immediately clear how many places curfews will be introduced on Monday. Lecornu says mayors have the ability to do so where “they need” it.
The French Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nunez, has acknowledged on Monday that the police lost control in several French cities during the weekend’s demonstrations.
Over 2,000 were arrested across France and 600 officers were injured, the interior minister said.
The demonstrations began as a protest against conditions in French schools.
But they have developed into a broader protest against, among other things, the high cost of living and a social model that, according to the protesters, does not ensure social mobility and security.
RITZAU
