France calm under curfews after worst unrest in years, more protests loom

Overnight curfews in violence-hit zones brought a night of calm after rioting that saw around 2,400 arrests; the government acknowledged security failures.

France saw a calmer night after overnight curfews were imposed in violence-hit areas of its biggest cities, following a weekend of rioting and looting that led to around 2,400 arrests. The government said the curfews helped restore order after the worst unrest in years.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu acknowledged failures in the security response and announced that troops would reinforce police ahead of more protests expected this weekend. The unrest began with student strikes over school conditions and widened into broader anger over the cost of living.

The government faces pressure from both sides — to restore order firmly and to address the grievances fuelling the protests. Lecornu said dialogue with unions and student groups would continue alongside the reinforced security presence.