France on Edge! Govt Orders Curfews, Protest Bans As Violent Riots Spark 2,400+ Arrests

France is tightening security after a weekend of violent rioting and looting left authorities facing a major public order crisis. Around 2,400 arrests have been reported across the country as the government moves to prevent further unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Le Cornu has instructed regional authorities to introduce partial overnight curfews in selected urban areas alongside restrictions on gatherings. It's essential that businesses are able to reopen as quickly as possible. Restarting quickly means protecting jobs, and businesses across France are major employers. That's why, together with Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandue, we've decided to activate wage support measures from tomorrow. We'll do it through a ministerial order without waiting for the usual administrative delays, and we'll cover 100% immediately rather than 70%. The disorder is largely confined to certain urban centers. That's why I've asked prefects to impose a number of partial curfews tonight. They will consult not only mayors but also chambers of commerce, because these curfews are intended to protect both people and property, particularly businesses. not dealing with ordinary crime. What we're seeing is a very specific form of criminal activity centered on looting, including the resale of stolen goods. It is out of the question for this situation to become entrenched. Now, regarding your support ticket from yesterday, I completely understand how frustrating that duplicate billing error was. The good news is I've already submitted and confirmed a full refund on your behalf, so you'll see those funds back in your account within three business days. It has now been established that there is an ultra-left movement seeking to organize unrest, if not something even more serious across the country, up to the presidential election. The intelligence service has made that very clear to us this morning. There is a whole network that may even be mobilizing to challenge the presidential election timetable and the holding of the election itself. A state of emergency is not a political gesture, it is a serious measure and not something that can be implemented lightly. If it becomes necessary, of course we could do it. The measures followed two consecutive days of disturbances, during which town halls were set on fire and hundreds of businesses were looted. French authorities have blamed much of the violence on what they describe as ultra-left groups. President Emmanuel Macron has voiced anger and shame over the destruction, accusing far-left activists of attacking police and public buildings to create chaos. The crisis has also triggered a political dispute over security planning. The Élysée Palace confirmed that Interior Minister Laurent Nunez submitted his resignation on Sunday, but Macron refused to accept it, citing the need for continued leadership of law enforcement. Macron has also instructed Nunez to ensure transparency over alleged failures in planning and intelligence, while introducing new operational methods for security forces. The unrest followed demonstrations called by labor unions, student organizations, and activists seeking to revive the Yellow Vest movement, which began in 2018 around grievances around social injustice. Authorities estimated that Saturday's largely peaceful marches drew around 550,000 people, while organizers put the figure at 800,000, according to France 24. The demonstrations centered on rising living costs and poor conditions in schools, but But the violence has shifted attention toward public safety and the government's response. For now, France faces two urgent challenges, containing further unrest and addressing questions about how the violence unfolded. The coming days will test the government's ability to restore peace and order while maintaining public confidence.