SRINAGAR: French authorities will impose overnight curfews in four northern communes for two nights following violence and looting during nationwide protests against rising living costs and fuel prices, public broadcaster Franceinfo reported on Monday.
The curfews will be enforced from 8 pm to 6 am local time in Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain, with the agreement of the respective mayors, according to Franceinfo.
The restrictions follow unrest during demonstrations held across France on Saturday, October 17. Around 550,000 people took part in 110 demonstrations nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, while about 400 arrests were recorded, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Monday that he had asked prefects to introduce localised and partial curfews in response to the unrest.
Lecornu also announced a major judicial operation and partial unemployment measures for businesses affected by the violence.
Authorities have separately announced restrictions on gatherings in Marseille following incidents during the weekend protests.
Meanwhile, Denain has introduced an additional nighttime curfew from 9 pm to 6 am, effective through October 25, according to the report.
