France Imposes Curfews After Violent Weekend Protests

France imposed scattered curfews on Monday after weekend protests over living costs and poor school conditions devolved into riots.

Reuters described the violence as one of the country's worst days of unrest in years, with thousands arrested. Reuters More than 500,000 people had gathered in Paris and other cities in demonstrations that brought together students, teachers, unions and yellow vest protesters. Al Jazeera

President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on Sunday night after the nationwide protests turned violent. He said those who destroyed property must pay, those who looted must reimburse victims, and those who sought to bring down the republic will be held accountable. Al Jazeera

In the address, Macron accused far-left groups of attacking police and public buildings. He urged dialogue rather than "violence on the streets" ahead of the presidential election, and condemned "dissenters" who looted and vandalised cities in what he called "shocking" scenes.

The unrest grew out of student protests that began in mid-September demanding better schools, more teachers and a more equal system. By October 6, the student demonstrations had spread to more than 40 cities. They later merged with wider anger over living standards, drawing in teachers, unions and supporters of the yellow vest movement.

The crisis is unfolding months before France's next presidential election, scheduled for 2027. Macron has served two terms and is barred by the constitution from running again.

Political rivals are already positioning around the disorder. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of France Unbowed (La France Insoumise), has embraced the student protest movement. Marine Le Pen has framed disorder linked to the demonstrations as a crisis of security and authority. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu accused the extreme left of instigating violence as a "warm-up round" for the presidential election.

The debate has spread beyond France. The New York Times on October 20 published an analysis titled "It's Not Just France. Europe's Political Center Is Crumbling," which reported that Europe's centrist parties are losing ground among young people and workers increasingly tempted by populist promises. The New York Times Several hundred mostly young people protested in Brussels in demonstrations partly inspired by the French protests, with some clashing with police.