France extends partial curfews after nationwide cost-of-living protests

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday that curfews imposed in several cities a day earlier had helped keep the night calm, and that new restrictions would be introduced wherever needed. "These decisions will be made on the ground, by the prefects, in coordination with the mayors," he said, according to Mehr News. The measures followed the government's admission that officers had "lost control" during Saturday's protests, which drew hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets over the cost of living and deteriorating public services.

The protests, which took place across the country, highlighted growing public discontent with economic conditions and the state of public services. The government's acknowledgment that police had lost control during the demonstrations underscored the scale of the unrest. In response, authorities imposed curfews in several cities on Monday, which the prime minister said had contributed to a calmer night.

Lecornu's comments indicate that the government is adopting a localized approach to managing the situation, with prefects and mayors coordinating on the ground to decide where further restrictions are necessary. The extension of partial curfews suggests that officials anticipate continued tensions and are taking preemptive steps to maintain order.

The unrest comes amid broader concerns about the cost of living and the quality of public services in France. The protests drew hundreds of thousands of participants, reflecting widespread frustration. The government's response, including curfews and the deployment of police, aims to quell the unrest while addressing the underlying issues.

According to Mehr News, the prime minister's remarks on Tuesday signaled that the government is prepared to implement additional measures as needed, with decisions made locally by prefects in consultation with mayors. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are monitoring developments closely.