France imposes curfews in Paris, Nice, and Marseille after violent protests

France has imposed localized curfews from Paris to Nice following weekend violence, with Marseille banning gatherings. The measures follow protests that drew 500,000-800,000 people on October 17, marred by riots and looting. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the partial curfews after an emergency meeting, rejecting a generalized state of emergency. He also promised partial unemployment benefits for owners of at least 3,000 looted businesses. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez pledged increased police presence next weekend. The EU urged France to protect peaceful protest rights while condemning violence, arson, and looting. Marseille's mayor disputed police figures of 30,000 looters, calling the scenes "the shame of Europe." New protests are planned for October 24.