France Orders Curfews in Some Areas After Weekend of Riots Following Nationwide Protests

France's central government on Monday asked some local authorities to impose curfews, and curfews were set for parts of Paris and other cities, after a weekend of riots and looting that grew out of nationwide anti-government protests. The demonstrations, over the rising cost of living and school conditions, began last month when students took to the streets demanding better schools and education funding. Police officers and protesters were wounded, public buildings were set ablaze and businesses were looted. The interior ministry estimated about 550,000 people joined the weekend protests, while organizers gave their own estimate. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu did not rule out declaring a state of emergency but said other measures were more appropriate for now. The government faces pressure over security failings.

Left-leaning outlets lead with the government response, with CBS reporting that French leaders blamed a far-left movement for the violence and The New York Times explaining the causes. Alternative outlets differ in emphasis: France 24 stresses injuries, damage and questions about police handling of public order, while Investing.com leads with the curfews. Right-leaning outlets use crowd numbers and political pressure: the Washington Examiner cites the interior ministry's count against organizers' estimates, and The Daily Signal, carrying Reuters, quotes Lecornu on a possible state of emergency. All sides agree on the riots and curfews.