Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu rules out an immediate blanket curfew in Paris but leaves the door open to a state of emergency as President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure over the unrest.

PARIS, France — French authorities have imposed localised curfews in parts of Paris, Lille and Nice following a weekend of violent riots and looting, as the government faces growing criticism over its handling of escalating public unrest.

The restrictions come amid mounting pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s administration to address security concerns and restore order following anti-government protests that have heightened political and social tensions across the country.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has ruled out imposing a blanket curfew across Paris for now, signalling that the government is not yet prepared to introduce sweeping restrictions across the capital. However, he has not ruled out declaring a state of emergency should the situation deteriorate further.

The government’s response has also sparked political controversy, with Macron declining an offer from the interior minister to resign amid criticism of the authorities’ handling of the violence.

The decision to retain the minister comes as opposition voices and concerned citizens demand stronger measures to prevent further outbreaks of violence, protect businesses and ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, trade unions have called for nationwide strikes on November 5, raising fears that the unrest could widen beyond street protests and trigger further disruption to public services, transport and economic activity.

The planned industrial action adds another layer of uncertainty for the French government as it attempts to contain the immediate security crisis while confronting broader public discontent.

Although Lecornu has stopped short of imposing a citywide curfew in Paris, the introduction of local restrictions in several urban centres underscores the authorities’ concerns about maintaining order.

With further demonstrations and nationwide strikes looming, the government faces a difficult balancing act: restoring security, preventing renewed violence and responding to growing demands for political accountability.

The coming days could prove critical in determining whether the unrest subsides or develops into a wider crisis for Macron’s administration.