French cities calm overnight after curfews imposed to quell violence, PM says

Targeted curfews throughout France contributed to a quiet night after a weekend of riots and looting nationwide, the Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has noted.

Key points

• Curfews were introduced throughout parts of central Paris, including Place de la République, where protesters had gathered over the weekend, and the Les Halles shopping area.
• Earlier Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted police had "lost control" in some cities.
• More than 2, 500 individuals have been arrested since the disorder broke out, office-holders noted.
• Lecornu thanked police officers and gendarmes for enforcing the measures, adding that further curfews on Tuesday night would be decided depending on where they are necessary.
• Writing in a post on X, he remarked decisions would be produced "on the ground" by French regions and local mayors.

As well as Lille and other towns in the north, other measures restricting the movement of young individuals and gatherings were introduced in cities such as Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Lyon in the south.

He had been strongly criticised by opposition politicians over the preparedness for the disorder, leading him to offer his resignation on Monday. It was rejected by President Emmanuel Macron.

More than 2, 500 individuals have been arrested since the disorder broke out, office-holders noted. One demonstrator's hand was blown off by a police crowd-control grenade, according to the AFP news agency. Regarding 1, 000 police officers were injured.

Protests first began last month with students demanding better school conditions but they have escalated to take in a broader range of reservations with numbers at demonstrations bolstered by trade unions and various protest groups.

In short, french cities calm overnight after curfews imposed to quell violence, PM says is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.