From Foreign Policy · Alexandra Sharp · · 2m
France Orders Curfews Amid Widespread Rioting
France imposes curfews and protest bans as half a million rioters demand education reform and fuel cost cuts.
In brief
France imposes curfews and protest bans as half a million rioters demand education reform and fuel cost cuts. France's government orders curfews and protest bans after half a million protesters demanded education reform and fuel cost cuts. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
France announces protest curfews
France ordered partial protest bans in Paris and curfews in certain areas to reassert control amid widespread domestic unrest.
Over half a million protesters
More than half a million people joined anti-government protests over the weekend demanding education reform, fuel cost cuts, and public service improvements.
Interior minister resigns
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered to step down after admitting French police were unprepared for the scale of unrest.
Prime minister vows control
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu vowed to use 'whatever tools are at the government’s disposal' to quell unrest.
Rioting escalates
Rioting, looting, and arson prompted police to use tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters.
Security figures reported
According to the Interior Ministry, nearly 1,000 security personnel were injured, around 2,400 protesters arrested, and at least 3,00:00 businesses pillaged.
Ruling coalition blames left
France’s ruling coalition blamed the hard-left France Unbowed party for fomenting the crisis ahead of next April’s presidential election.
Far-right accuses France Unbowed
The far-right National Rally party accused France Unbowed of stoking unrest and claimed Macron lost control of the country.
Melenchon supports peaceful protests
Only France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon expressed support for peaceful elements of student-led movement.
Trump calls for border closures
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that migrants have taken over France and must CLOSE THE BORDERS, FAST.
Rioting spreads to Italy
Rioting spread to Italy with over 5,000 people protesting rising prices and poor public services in Milan.
Italy’s prime minister responds
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called protesters 'thugs' and demanded condemnation of violent acts.
In short
France's government orders curfews and protest bans after half a million protesters demanded education reform and fuel cost cuts.
