The French government has implemented partial curfews in certain areas of the cities of Paris and Nice. This decision comes in response to criticisms of security failures and the recent unrest and destruction stemming from economic and anti-government protests.
Imposition of curfews in Paris
In the capital, Paris, the police have imposed curfews from 11 PM to 6 AM local time (from 9 PM to 4 AM UTC) around the Place de la République and the Les Halles area. Additionally, gatherings in some other areas have been banned after 8 PM. In a statement released by the police, it was noted that "a police force has been deployed to ensure strict compliance with these regulations."
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Measures in Nice and other cities
In the southern French coast, the mayor of Nice has signed an order to impose a curfew for minors in the city center during the night. Additionally, gatherings and demonstrations have been banned in Marseille. Sources from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's office have stated that curfews for minors between 8 PM and 6 AM will also be implemented in Lille and nearby cities Douai, Wattignies, and Denain with the agreement of local mayors over the next two days.
Lecornu emphasized in an interview with reporters: "My determination is to restore absolute order" while also announcing a general curfew in Paris but did not rule out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency.
Travel warnings from foreign countries
Several countries around the world, including China, Malaysia, Germany, and the United States, have advised their citizens traveling to France to avoid large gatherings and exercise caution. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Chinese citizens in France to be aware of potential risks, enhance safety measures, and avoid areas where protests are taking place.
The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that while travel to France is unrestricted, Malaysians are advised to postpone non-essential travel until the situation improves. The Malaysian embassy in Paris has also advised its citizens in France to exercise caution and remain vigilant.
Warnings from the United States and neighboring countries
The U.S. Department of State issued a warning on Monday advising Americans to avoid gatherings in major French cities. Additionally, the U.S. embassy in Paris has recently warned about the new curfews in cities like Paris and Lille.
In Europe, some neighboring countries of France have also issued warnings to their citizens. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that there is a possibility of further unrest and has urged German citizens to follow local police instructions. It has also been warned that those who do not comply with requests to leave unauthorized gatherings may face fines.
The governments of the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have also issued warnings to avoid protests.
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