France keeps curfews and protest bans as more demonstrations loom

France will maintain curfews and restrictions on demonstrations despite planned protests, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said Monday, citing ongoing risks to public order. Nuñez told BFMTV that local prefects will decide on curfews in over a dozen cities in coordination with mayors. The government also keeps bans on demonstrations in city centers, as violent groups infiltrated protest marches last Saturday, leading to 1,435 arrests and seizures of weapons including knives and fireworks launchers. The protest day saw 267 police officers injured, some in attacks described as attempted homicide, and 150 demonstrators hurt, three seriously. Between 410,000 and 800,000 people marched against high living costs and education issues, with further protests called for next Saturday.