The French Prime Minister said an emergency declaration might be issued if necessary to maintain public order and urged local authorities to impose targeted curfews to protect businesses from rioters.
Foreign news agencies reported that France experienced its worst street riots in years over the past weekend, with violence erupting after student protests demanding improved school conditions, which then escalated into demonstrations against the rising cost of living.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said after an emergency meeting on Monday, 19 Oct 2026 GMT+7, that an "emergency state" might be declared if needed to restore order, but initially sees targeted curfews as a more appropriate measure at this time.
"I am fully committed to restoring order," Lecornu said, urging regional officials to implement targeted curfews on Monday evening to protect businesses.
"Watching television might make French people feel chaos is everywhere, but fortunately, that is not the case. The unrest is concentrated only in major cities," the Prime Minister added, accusing organized leftist groups of orchestrating nationwide disorder and possibly having networks intent on disrupting even the upcoming presidential election.
On Sunday, rioters dressed in black and wearing masks took advantage of public protests in several cities nationwide, clashing with police, throwing Molotov cocktails, setting cars and buildings on fire, and looting shops, restaurants, and malls in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lille, and Lyon.
The French Minister of Commerce confirmed that at least 3,000 businesses have been affected by the riots, and the government is preparing to establish a special relief fund.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez submitted his resignation after admitting that police "lost control" in some cities during the weekend protests, but President Emmanuel Macron rejected his resignation.
Nuñez said in a joint press conference that the government will implement measures to control and prevent rioters and looters, including "increasing the number of police and security forces in the affected areas starting tonight."
In France, declaring a state of emergency grants authorities greater temporary powers to address serious threats to public order or national security, including imposing curfews, restricting movement, and banning public protests.
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Source:cna