France protest: Prime Minister calls for localised curfews in cities to curb rioting, looting

On October 17, 2026, ‘despite scenes of severe violence and extensive property damage, no one was killed, and that is a miracle,’ said the French PM as he defended the work of police officers faced with violent groups of peopleFrench Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu says he has instructed prefects, the government’s regional representatives, to impose “very limited” and “localised” curfews to prevent more rioting and looting, following weekend violence that targeted city halls, other public buildings and thousands of businesses across the country.