France imposes curfews after violent protests; Bardella cites 'civil war scenes'
France is implementing curfews in multiple cities following violent protests on October 17, with the government promising a "massive" police deployment for next Saturday's planned demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has instructed prefects to potentially ban protests deemed risky. Political leaders are sharply divided over the response. Rassemblement National president Jordan Bardella condemned "scenes of civil war," while La France Insoumise's Jean-Luc Mélenchon rejected curfews as ineffective without political answers. The government blames far-left groups for an "insurrectional scheme," while LFI accuses Nuñez of manipulating intelligence services. Authorities report 149 incarcerations and a calm night under curfew. A suspect in the Limoges town hall fire has been arrested, and parliament has agreed to launch an inquiry commission into the violence and policing.