French protests ease after tougher security measures and curfews

French protests over cost-of-living concerns largely subsided after authorities imposed tougher security measures, including targeted curfews, following weekend demonstrations that turned violent with looting and vandalism. An 11 p.m. curfew was set in parts of Paris on Monday night. Over half a million people protested Saturday, with fast-moving groups targeting hundreds of shops. Authorities arrested 2,397 people that day, plus 108 more in Paris on Sunday night. The riots' cost is estimated below €1 billion to €1.2 billion, deemed manageable for insurers. Social media linked to Yellow Vests protests called for continued actions all week and another unrest day Saturday, with unions planning a Nov. 5 strike. Retailers urged authorities to prevent further destruction, while political tensions rose ahead of the presidential election, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen leading polls.