France to impose nighttime curfew in four municipalities after protest unrest

After protests against rising prices and fuel costs that were accompanied by violence and looting, French authorities are imposing a nighttime curfew in Lille, Douai, Wasquehal and Denain. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordered prefects to introduce local restrictions, announced a large-scale judicial operation and partial unemployment measures for affected businesses.

Otabek YusupovFirst published on tafs uz 20 October 2026 at 00:501 min read

The key facts

Curfew from 20:00 to 06:00 in Lille, Douai, Wasquehal and Denain for two nights — with the mayors' consent
On October 17, about 550,000 people took part in 110 rallies across France, with around 400 arrests
Lecornu ordered prefects to introduce local curfews; gatherings are restricted in Marseille

Curfew in four municipalities

The French authorities will impose a nighttime curfew in four municipalities in the north of the country for two nights following unrest during protests, the state broadcaster Franceinfo reported on Monday. The restriction will be in effect from 20:00 to 06:00 local time in Lille, Douai, Wasquehal and Denain — with the consent of the mayors of these municipalities. The measure came in response to violence and looting during nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living and fuel prices, held on Saturday.

Scale of the protests and arrests

According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, on October 17 about 550,000 people took part in 110 demonstrations across France, including 110,000 in Paris. Around 400 arrests were recorded across the country.

Government response

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Monday that he had ordered prefects to introduce localized and partial curfews in response to the unrest. He also announced a large-scale judicial operation and partial unemployment measures for businesses affected by the violence. In addition, the authorities announced restrictions on gatherings in Marseille following the weekend incidents.