France sees calmer night after curfews in Paris and other cities

France saw relative calm overnight after localized curfews were imposed in Paris and other major cities, with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu crediting the measures for easing unrest linked to ongoing protests. More than 2,500 people have been arrested amid violent clashes, looting, and arson, including a fire at Limoges town hall, as authorities deployed around 60,000 security forces to combat rioting blamed on "ultra-left militants." The demonstrations, which began over education reforms and expanded to cost-of-living demands, come ahead of the 2027 presidential election, while similar protests over housing and economic pressures have also erupted across Europe.