France imposes curfews and tougher penalties after weekend riots

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Tuesday that curfews imposed in several French cities after weekend violence helped restore calm, and announced new curfews will be set where needed for Tuesday night, with prefects deciding in coordination with mayors. The curfews, targeting minors in Lille, Bordeaux, and Nice, began Monday between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. in specific areas. In Paris, restrictions cover Place de la République and Les Halles from 11 p.m., with protest bans elsewhere. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered prosecutors to use organized crime qualifications, extending custody limits to 72 hours. At least 3,000 shops were damaged or looted, prompting partial unemployment measures and a support fund. The government faces political criticism over its response, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez's resignation rejected by President Emmanuel Macron, while international attention grows.