The key facts
- The curfew in central Paris is in effect from 23:00 on October 20 until 06:00 on October 21
- The ban covers Place de la République and part of the Halles district, with exceptions for residents, employees and emergency services
- Police banned gatherings near the Élysée Palace, the National Assembly and the Senate from 20:00 to 06:00
Restrictions in the city center
A curfew has been imposed in central Paris due to the threat of new mass unrest. According to the city hall, citing an order from the police prefecture, the restrictions are in effect from 23:00 on October 20 until 06:00 on October 21. The document states that during this period the movement of people is prohibited in the places designated by the decree.
Which areas are affected
The ban covers Place de la République and part of the Halles district in the central part of the city, as well as several adjacent streets. At the same time, shops and other establishments located on the square are not subject to the ban.
Exemptions from the ban
The authorities provided exemptions for local residents, enterprise employees and emergency services: they may be present in the designated areas if they have supporting documents. All other citizens are prohibited from moving within the curfew zone during the established hours.
Ban on gatherings
In addition, police banned mass gatherings, marches and demonstrations in several districts of Paris from 20:00 to 06:00. The restrictions affected areas near the Élysée Palace, the National Assembly, the Senate and other sites. A similar curfew was already in effect in the capital on the night of October 19 to 20; similar measures were also adopted in other French cities.
Context of the protests
The protests began in mid-September due to problems in the education system; later, residents dissatisfied with rising prices and declining living standards joined the actions. The demonstrations escalated into clashes with police, car burnings and looting of stores. Against the backdrop of the unrest, two deaths were reported: on October 17, during a demonstration on Boulevard Magenta, one of the participants suffered cardiac arrest, and on the night of October 19, a man was found on Rue Saint-Denis near the Châtelet district. A witness claimed that shortly before this, police had used tear gas, but no connection between the death and the actions of law enforcement was established.
