State of emergency, curfew... The legal arsenal available to the State to restore order

France imposed partial curfews in several cities, including parts of Paris, on Tuesday night amid ongoing unrest following violent weekend protests. The measures, introduced after the government admitted police had “lost control” during the demonstrations, apply to specific areas deemed vulnerable to looting and disorder. In northern cities such as Lille, Wattignies, Douai, and Denain, curfews will be enforced from 8 pm to 6 am on Monday and Tuesday nights. These restrictions target sensitive urban zones and apply primarily to minors who are not accompanied by parents or legal guardians. In Paris, the curfew covers key areas affected by previous disturbances, including Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district. Here, the curfew runs from 11 pm to 6 am, affecting both adults and children. In Nice, the restriction applies only to minors, from 9 pm to 6 am. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the government is fully committed to restoring public order and emphasized that the curfews are “partial” and “very locally limited.” He ruled out a full citywide curfew, saying it was unnecessary given the geographical unevenness of the chaos. However, he left open the possibility of declaring a state of emergency if required. The decision follows a weekend marked by widespread riots, looting, and violence across France. According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, police had “lost control” in some cities during the protests. He acknowledged shortcomings in preparation and intelligence, noting that initial estimates of demonstrators numbered 200,000, while actual turnout exceeded 500,000. This discrepancy contributed to the escalation of violence, with peaceful protests turning into one of the most turbulent days in recent French history. President Emmanuel Macron rejected Nuñez’s offer of resignation, stating that the minister should focus on ensuring transparency regarding the failures in planning and intelligence. Macron also requested the introduction of “new policing tactics on the ground as quickly as possible” to address the ongoing unrest. Authorities have taken additional steps to mitigate the impact of the disturbances. Measures include financial support for affected businesses through unemployment benefits and a dedicated assistance fund. The government has also reached out to online marketplaces such as Vinted, Leboncoin, and eBay to prevent the sale of stolen goods obtained during the riots. Vinted confirmed it would enforce a zero-tolerance policy and remove suspicious listings. Meanwhile, the Yellow Vest movement, which has been protesting against rising living costs, announced plans for further demonstrations scheduled for October 24. Organizers indicated that these protests would take place in multiple locations across the country, signaling continued pressure on the government. The unrest has exposed vulnerabilities in France’s security infrastructure, prompting calls for reforms and increased coordination among law enforcement agencies. As the situation evolves, officials remain focused on stabilizing the affected regions and preventing further escalation of tensions.