OMM Newsroom
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said he had asked prefects to impose partial, localized curfews from Monday evening following violence and looting during weekend protests, according to Anadolu Agency.
“I have asked prefects to trigger a number of curfews for this evening,” Lecornu told reporters after an interministerial crisis meeting. He said the restrictions would be partial and could be limited to specific areas.
Prefects will consult mayors and business representatives before deciding on measures intended to protect people and property. Lecornu ruled out imposing a curfew across all of Paris, saying it “would make no sense.”
He did not exclude declaring a state of emergency if needed, but said targeted curfews appeared more appropriate at present. “My determination to restore order is total,” he said.
Lecornu also announced “a very significant, massive judicial operation starting today.” Nearly 200 investigators within the Paris police prefecture are examining images and videos to identify suspects.
“First and foremost, those who caused the damage must pay,” he said.
For businesses affected by the unrest, he announced a short-time work scheme starting Tuesday and a dedicated fund to address cash-flow needs. “This is a measure to protect employment,” he said.
Lecornu also pledged talks with political parties on campaign security and policing, and with unions on protecting demonstrations. “Many people demonstrated peacefully last Saturday, and that must be said again,” he said.
