France announces local curfews after violent protests

French authorities announced local overnight curfews in parts of Paris, Lille and Marseille after nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, October 17, escalated into violence, with fires, looting and clashes with police reported in several cities. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government would use partial, local measures rather than impose a blanket curfew in Paris for now. The curfews were announced for some areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lecornu said his determination to restore order was absolute after an emergency meeting on Monday. The reports did not specify which additional areas might be covered. French officials said at least 1,800 people had been arrested after the demonstrations. Lecornu had cited about 1,200 arrests earlier in the reporting timeline. Authorities estimated that 550,000 people took part nationwide, while organizers put attendance at about 800,000; neither estimate was independently confirmed in the available reporting. Violence and property damage were reported in multiple cities. In Limoges, a fire caused the roof of the city hall to collapse. Haute-Vienne prefect Maurice Barate said the fire was deliberately set and was under control by...