Louvre blockade by students as France imposes local curfews

Student protesters blocked access to the Louvre in Paris on Monday, forcing thousands of visitors to cancel plans to see the Mona Lisa, as French officials prepared tougher measures including local curfews to curb weekend violence. The blockade aimed to pressure the government to increase funding for cultural institutions, with students distinguishing their peaceful rallies from masked rioters who looted stores and set fires. President Emmanuel Macron admitted police failures and authorized restrictions, including curfews at Paris locations like Place de la Republique and Les Halles. Nice imposed a youth curfew from 9pm to 6am for the week, banning fireworks and face-covering gear. Student Inaya Plieu said violent "breakers" were separate from their movement, while the protest coincided with the anniversary of a theft of French Crown Jewels worth about €88 million.