France imposes partial curfews in several cities to quell unrest

France's prime minister has called for partial curfews in several cities to quell unrest, granting local authorities new powers to protect citizens and businesses following weekend riots and looting. The measure targets sensitive, high-risk areas nationwide, with local mayors empowered to impose curfews. Police arrested thousands amid clashes, and about 80 percent of those detained face criminal charges. A law will make vandals pay for property repairs, and a fund will support workers affected by closures. The unrest stems from protests over high living costs and deteriorating public services. The prime minister blamed far-left groups for the violence, accusing them of seeking to destabilize the country before next year's presidential election.