Protests in France

Protests spreading across parts of Europe

The protests—which began in late September and have taken place in a number of French and Belgian cities—appear to have found counterparts elsewhere in Europe. Over the weekend, *The Guardian* counted 20 such protests across Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Albania.

Other recurring themes, regardless of where the protests have emerged, include grievances regarding the high cost of living and difficulties in securing housing.

Meanwhile, in France, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has stated that the country is considering declaring a state of emergency if the demonstrations continue. He blames the "far-left" and criminal groups, alleging that they are attempting to incite chaos ahead of the presidential election this spring, *The Guardian* reports.

Analysis: French democracy in flames—yet the parliament remains paralyzed and divided

France has been transformed into a battlefield of violence and destruction, writes Christophe Cornevin in *Le Figaro*. He expresses surprise that the authorities were caught off guard by the sheer scale of the violent protests over the weekend.

"As darkness fell on Saturday, and images of violence, looting, and devastation in city centers began to emerge, the Minister of the Interior announced that 550,000 people had taken part—more than double the number the authorities had anticipated."

Alistair Bunkall of Sky News notes that the footage of demonstrators setting fire to the historic town hall in Limoges is particularly telling. "They have destroyed a part of French democracy," he writes.

The BBC’s Hugh Schofield suggests that a shocked and shaken France is currently experiencing a historic moment.

"It bodes very poorly for next year, given the upcoming elections and the looming confrontations between the far-left and the far-right."

Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon and far-right leader Marine Le Pen are considered to have a strong chance of taking power once incumbent President Emmanuel Macron steps down. According to the BBC’s Katya Adler, political infighting has exacerbated the crisis.

"Parliament is paralyzed and deeply divided among three competing political blocs."

After the violence: Curfews imposed in four French cities

Curfews have been declared in four French cities, reports the news agency TT. The decision was made by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu in response to the increasingly violent protests that have recently taken place across the country.

Under the order, the public is prohibited from being outdoors between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM in Lille, Douai, Wattignies, and Denain. Initially, this applies to both Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Certain areas of Paris—including Place de la République and Les Halles—are also subject to a curfew starting at 8:00 PM. Furthermore, a ban on demonstrations has been imposed in parts of the capital for the night leading into Tuesday, and minors are prohibited from being out in central Nice after 9:00 PM, according to *Le Figaro*. “I am firmly determined to restore public order,” says Lecornu, adding that the authorities are considering declaring a state of emergency if necessary.