France Rocked by Unrest as Curfews Imposed Amid Widespread Disorder
Over 2,500 Arrested and 1,000 Police Injured as Cities Face Looting and Attacks; Macron Travels Abroad
Carla Rooney
Targeted curfews have been implemented across central Paris as France grapples with escalating unrest.
Authorities restricted movement for young people and banned gatherings in Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, Lille, and other towns. Demonstrations are now outright prohibited in Marseille.
City halls were invaded and vandalized. Flames ravaged the town hall in Limoges. Police arrested a 40-year-old man Tuesday, suspected of involvement in that arson attack.
A demonstrator's hand was blown off by a police crowd-control grenade. Paris, Lyon, and Marseille experienced unprotected sections of their cities.
Unrelenting.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin described the situation as 'unrelenting.' He demanded 'extreme firmness toward the rioters who attack public buildings or businesses, and those who target law enforcement or firefighters.'
This current unrest follows weeks of student demonstrations and a resurgence of 'yellow vest' protests.
President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation, promising action against looters and a commitment to listen to peaceful protesters.
Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe criticized Macron's lack of decisive action. President Macron is currently on a three-day trip in the Gulf, visiting Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Elsewhere, the unrest in France unfolds against a backdrop of wider European concerns. Italy's government dispatched 500 army troops to Milan following two days of unrest, riots, and looting in the city center.
Separately, the European parliament in Strasbourg will debate EU-UK relations. Nato’s Mark Rutte will host the Turkish foreign minister for talks. Lithuania’s president Gitanas Nausėda is in Poland to discuss regional security.