France Imposes Targeted Curfews After Weekend Rioting

French authorities imposed targeted overnight curfews and restrictions on public gatherings in parts of Paris and other cities on Monday, October 19, after a weekend of protests escalated into rioting, looting and property damage. The measures followed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s direction to local authorities to restrict movement where needed, rather than impose a blanket curfew across Paris. In the capital, police prohibited demonstrations and public gatherings in designated areas from 8 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday. A stricter curfew barring people from public spaces ran from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. around Place de la République and Les Halles. Authorities also announced or introduced local restrictions in several other cities, including Lille, Nice and Marseille, with rules varying by location. Marseille banned demonstrations and public gatherings. The restrictions came after demonstrations on Saturday over living costs, fuel prices and public services, including education, were followed by violence in several cities. Shops and public buildings were damaged or looted, and fires were reported. The unrest followed weeks of student demonstrations that drew participation...