Lecornu reports calm night after targeted French curfews

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said targeted curfews had helped bring a calm night after unrest, in a statement issued on the morning of October 20.

The restrictions began the previous evening in selected urban areas rather than across France. Lecornu had ordered local measures following violence and shop looting during mass protests.

The demonstrations began in September with school students demanding improvements to school conditions. They later drew people protesting rising living costs. The October 17 demonstrations were accompanied by unrest, including in Paris and Marseille.

Lecornu said curfews could be imposed again on Tuesday night where necessary. Prefects will make the decisions in coordination with mayors.