The key facts

  • In Marseille, all gatherings and demonstrations are banned from noon to 8:00 pm
  • 2,331 people detained across France, 13 in pre-trial detention in Marseille
  • Yellow vests announced new protests for October 24

Gathering ban in Marseille

Marseille authorities on Monday banned all gatherings and demonstrations throughout the entire city from 12:00 to 20:00 local time. The restriction was introduced by a prefectural order of the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture, French broadcaster BFMTV reported. The measure is aimed at preventing new riots after the unrest of October 17 and 18. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is expected to visit Marseille on Monday to assess the situation on the ground.

Curfew in Denain

The northern French city of Denain has introduced a night-time curfew for adults and minors. Mayor Anne-Lise Dufour-Tonini announced that the measure will be in effect every night from 21:00 to 6:00 from October 18 to 25.

Government reaction

President Emmanuel Macron said in a Sunday address that prefects would coordinate actions with mayors to protect cities, including by banning individual gatherings where necessary. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened an interdepartmental crisis meeting on Monday on issues of business support, insurance payouts and subsequent legal proceedings.

Scale of the riots

Nationwide demonstrations on Saturday brought together protesters against the high cost of living, including rising fuel and energy prices, declining purchasing power and concern over the state of public services. Among the participants were yellow vest activists, school pupils and students, trade unionists and pensioners. Although most marches passed peacefully, violence erupted in a number of cities, including Paris, Marseille and Lyon: shops were looted, public buildings were attacked, and clashes with police occurred. In Marseille, rioters broke into the town hall near the Old Port and damaged it, looted shops and clashed with security forces.

Detentions and damage

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said that over the weekend 2,331 people were placed in police custody across France, with dozens remanded in custody pending trial, including 13 in Marseille. The President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI France) estimated that the riots would directly affect more than 2,000 businesses, with damage amounting to hundreds of millions of euros. Yellow vest organizers announced new protests for October 24.