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LILLE, FRANCE - OCT. 19: Beyond Paris alone, French authorities are expanding overnight curfews to the major cities of Nice and Lyon following weekend protests marked by violence and looting, French broadcaster BFMTV reported Monday.
In Paris, a curfew will run from 10 pm to 6 am around Place de la Republique and in streets surrounding the Les Halles area.
The curfew applies to the entire population, not just minors, authorities said. A ban on demonstrations in certain Paris neighborhoods from 8 pm to 6 am was also announced.
Lyon will impose a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am in part of the Presqu’ile, the central area of the city.
Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti announced a curfew for minors from 9 pm to 6 am in streets in the city center, saying the measure is intended to protect residents following the weekend unrest, citing the “hordes of thugs who swept through the streets this weekend.”
The restrictions come as authorities around France introduce curfews and other security measures following violence and looting during weekend demonstrations nationwide against the rising cost of living and fuel prices.
French authorities said earlier Monday that overnight curfews would be imposed in four northern communes -- Lille, Douai, Wattignies, and Denain -- for two nights, with the agreement of their respective mayors.
Those restrictions will run from 8 pm to 6 am.
Denain has also introduced a separate nighttime 9 pm to 6 am curfew through Sunday, Oct. 25.
Around 550,000 people took part in 110 demonstrations across France on Saturday, including 110,000 in Paris, while about 400 arrests were recorded nationwide, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Monday that he had asked prefects to introduce localized and partial curfews following the unrest.
He also announced a major judicial operation and partial unemployment measures for businesses affected by the violence.
Authorities have also announced restrictions on gatherings in Marseille.