French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has blamed the “far-left” and criminal elements for exploiting ongoing protests and has called for the imposition of partial curfews in several urban locations to curb further violence. The measures come amid some of the most violent demonstrations France has seen in years, triggered by rising living costs.
Speaking after an emergency crisis meeting, Lecornu said prefects have been instructed to enforce targeted curfews starting immediately in areas most prone to disorder. He stressed that while the government remains ready to declare a state of emergency if necessary, such a decision is not currently under consideration.
Authorities Prepare Strong Judicial Response and Support for Businesses
The prime minister also announced a vigorous judicial crackdown on the violent and criminal behavior at the fringes of the protests, with investigators analyzing social media footage to identify offenders, some of whom neglected to wear masks during riots. New measures to prevent riot recurrence will be enacted swiftly, although a major football match scheduled between PSG and Barcelona is set to proceed.
To offset economic damage, Lecornu outlined plans to activate furlough schemes for businesses disrupted by the unrest, aiming to protect employment during the busy pre-Christmas period. The government also plans to expedite assessments related to insurance claims stemming from protest-related damages.
Government Emphasizes Right to Peaceful Protest Amid Widespread Unrest
While condemning violence and looting, Lecornu underscored the importance of defending the right to legitimate, peaceful protest, clearly distinguishing it from destructive actions. This distinction has been reflected in statements from the European Commission, which condemned arson and looting but reaffirmed support for peaceful demonstrations as a fundamental democratic right.
Meanwhile, local authorities are implementing additional restrictions; for example, public gatherings and demonstrations have been banned in Marseille during key hours to prevent further incidents.
Political Tensions and International Reactions
Lecornu expressed concerns that the far-left’s agenda aims to destabilize the country ahead of the upcoming presidential election. He urged opposition leaders to attend a government briefing, despite some parties planning to boycott the meeting.
Internationally, British officials condemned the violence, emphasizing that while protest is a democratic right, violence is unacceptable. Related tensions have also appeared in Italy and Germany, where demonstrations linked to economic grievances have led to clashes with law enforcement and investigations into security breaches.
