Lecornu orders localized curfew preparations after unrest in France

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu instructed prefects to impose localized curfews overnight into October 20 following rioting and looting. The restrictions are intended for selected areas rather than the whole country.

Lecornu said the measures would not cover all of Paris either. Authorities are to identify the specific locations by the end of the day following consultations with mayors.

The prime minister described curfews as more appropriate at this stage than a state of emergency, which politician Bruno Retailleau had called for. He did not rule out a state of emergency if needed.

Lecornu also promised funding to support traders affected by the unrest. According to the trade ministry, at least 3 thousand businesses were looted or vandalized over the weekend.