Brief
France imposes curfews as riots spark widespread looting and arson
Over 2,400 people were arrested and almost 1,000 police and firefighters injured as riots spread across French cities, prompting curfews in several locales.
By Felo News Desk · Published
France moved to impose curfews on Monday after a weekend of riots and looting that left the country "reeling from its worst violence in years," NBC News reported.
What happened
Across dozens of cities, hooded rioters set fire to stores, cars and government buildings. In Limoges, the 19th‑century town hall was gutted, its roof collapsing in flames. The Louvre Museum in Paris closed after protesters announced a blockade of the iconic site. Interior ministry figures cited by NBC News said more than half a million people participated in the protests, and police recorded nearly 2,400 arrests and almost 1,000 injuries among officers and firefighters.
What the reports add
NBC News noted that President Emmanuel Macron blamed "troublemakers from far‑left fringe groups" for the unrest, while far‑left candidate Jean‑Luc Mélenchon accused the incumbent government of inciting the violence. Far‑right hopeful Marine Le Pen described the administration as "exhausted, disoriented and seemingly incapable of doing anything other than commenting on its own powerlessness." The outlet also mentioned that Macron stopped short of declaring a state of emergency, despite calls from some right‑wing politicians.
What was said
In a televised address on Sunday, Macron said, "Watching these images, we all wondered how French people could do this to France. Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it," and warned that those seeking to "bring down the Republic will be held accountable." NBC News attributed the quote to Macron's Sunday address.
How it came about
The violence followed days of largely peaceful protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions. The unrest escalated into looting and arson over the weekend, prompting authorities to ask several cities, including Marseille, to impose curfews in an effort to restore order.
Key facts
- More than half a million people took part in the protests, according to the interior ministry. (nbcnews.com)
- Nearly 2,400 arrests were made across France during the weekend unrest. (nbcnews.com)
- Almost 1,000 police officers and firefighters were injured. (nbcnews.com)
- The historic 19th‑century town hall in Limoges was set ablaze, its roof collapsing. (nbcnews.com)
- President Emmanuel Macron blamed far‑left fringe groups for the violence. (nbcnews.com)
Sources
- [1] nbcnews.com — originally reported as “France moves to impose curfews as it reels from worst violence in years”
