France prepares local curfew after mass unrest
The French government has instructed local state representatives to prepare the introduction of a curfew in certain urban areas where, after mass protests, the threat of new unrest remains. The restrictions should be local and aimed primarily at protecting public order, commercial establishments, and property of entrepreneurs.
This was announced on October 19 by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu after a meeting of the inter-ministerial crisis group, LCP and BFMTV report.
The Prime Minister asked prefects to introduce a partial curfew as early as the evening of October 19. This concerns movement restrictions in specific territories where there is a risk of renewed riots, arson, and attacks on stores.
According to Lecornu, decisions on the scope of restrictions should be made after consultations with the mayors of the respective cities.
The list of areas where the curfew will be introduced was planned to be published by the government in the afternoon of October 19. Specific time frames and conditions of restrictions will be determined by local authorities.
The Prime Minister emphasized that introducing a curfew throughout Paris or across all of France is not currently planned.
The government is also considering the possibility of declaring a state of emergency if the situation significantly deteriorates. However, French authorities currently consider local restrictions a more appropriate response tool.
Authorities strengthen measures after large-scale riots
The decision was made after mass demonstrations on October 17-18, which took place against the backdrop of discontent with the high cost of living, fuel prices, and the state of public services.
Although a significant part of the protests was peaceful, in some cities they were accompanied by clashes with police, arson, damage to public buildings, and looting of stores.
According to preliminary data from the French Federation of Commerce and Distribution, approximately 1,500 commercial facilities were affected by the unrest.
Particularly large-scale destruction was recorded in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other major cities. Clothing stores, electronics stores, grocery outlets, and urban infrastructure facilities were damaged.
Lecornu placed responsibility for a significant part of the violent actions on radical groups and criminal elements, which, in his assessment, exploited the mass demonstrations to organize unrest.
At the same time, he emphasized the need to preserve citizens' right to peaceful protests. The new security measures, according to the government's plan, should target violence and property damage, not peaceful demonstrators.
Affected businesses promised additional support
In addition to movement restrictions, the French government is preparing measures for businesses that suffered losses due to the riots.
Starting October 20, a special employment support mechanism is planned. It will allow affected companies to temporarily reduce employees' working hours with state compensation to avoid layoffs during recovery.
The authorities also intend to accelerate the assessment of material damage necessary for insurance claims.
These measures are being discussed against the backdrop of significant losses for retail chains, some of whose stores remain closed due to damage to premises, equipment, and inventory.
The government is also preparing to strengthen law enforcement measures. Investigators will examine video recordings of the unrest, including materials posted on social media, to identify individuals involved in attacks and looting.
Thus, French authorities are trying to simultaneously prevent a new wave of violence and limit the economic consequences of the unrest for entrepreneurs and workers. At the same time, the scale of the planned restrictions will depend on decisions by local prefects and the further security situation.
Source: LCP, BFMTV, The Guardian
