France keeps night curfews in place as cities stay calm after weekend riots

Summary

French cities stayed calm overnight under curfews imposed after a weekend of violent unrest that reporting describes as the country's largest riots in years. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said curfews would be imposed where the situation requires it and that local authorities can extend them if necessary, and some areas will remain under curfew. The first night under targeted curfews passed without incident in Paris, where curfews were imposed in parts of the city and in several other cities. The Interior Ministry says 123 people have been jailed in connection with the weekend's violence and looting, and those arrested face expedited trials as part of a state effort to reassert control. Protest groups have announced new demonstrations for Saturday, and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said Sentinelle troops will be deployed for them.

Timeline

1. The Straits Times

   20 Oct 2026, 08:06 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that French cities stayed calm overnight under curfews imposed after last weekend's violent unrest, and that protest groups announced a new round of demonstrations for next Saturday.

2. France 24

   20 Oct 2026, 09:49 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that curfews have been imposed in parts of Paris and several other French cities after weekend protests and riots, and that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said local authorities can extend curfews if necessary.

3. France 24

   20 Oct 2026, 10:01 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that France's first night under targeted curfews passed without incident, and that Lecornu said further curfews will be imposed where necessary on Tuesday.

4. RFI

   20 Oct 2026, 10:48 UTCSource ↗

   RFI reports that Lecornu announced France will impose new curfews where required, after measures in several cities had helped keep the night calm, and that the Interior Ministry says 123 people have been jailed over the weekend's violence and looting.

5. Africanews

   20 Oct 2026, 10:51 UTCSource ↗

   Africanews reports that Paris imposed an overnight curfew after a wave of rioting, and that Lecornu had earlier called for curfews that would be very limited and localized.

6. CNBC

   20 Oct 2026, 15:01 UTCSource ↗

   CNBC reports that France will deploy Sentinelle troops for Saturday's protests, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, as the country braces for fresh unrest this weekend.

7. The New York Times

   20 Oct 2026, 16:06 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that France is extending curfews after a calm night, as part of a state effort to reassert control after the country's largest riots in years, with those arrested facing expedited trials.