France extends localized curfews and prepares massive police response after weekend unrest

In reaction to the disturbances and looting that occurred over the weekend, Sébastien Lecornu instructed prefects to implement targeted curfews in selected districts of Paris, Marseille, Lille and Lyon, with some restrictions applying only to minors. Addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister warned that police forces will be deployed on a large scale for the planned Saturday protests, noting that earlier measures were insufficiently mobile.

Six investigations by the IGPN, the internal police oversight body, have been launched concerning possible misconduct by officers during the October 17-18 mobilizations. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin reported that 67 individuals have been incarcerated, while numerous judicial inquiries have been opened. The minister also indicated that the maximum duration of police custody could be extended from 48 to 72 hours for organized crime cases. Amid this security crackdown, the prime minister will meet union representatives on Wednesday to discuss protection of protest routes and responses to student concerns, though students were not invited to the talks.