Curfews imposed in several French cities after unrest and looting

Curfews have come into force in cities across France, among them the capital Paris, as well as Bordeaux, Nice and Lyon. Police are trying to halt the looting of shops and other businesses that has accompanied a wave of protests. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has said that declaring a state of emergency is not out of the question.

What happened at the protests

The mass demonstrations are directed against the rising cost of living, and they also back high school students' demands over education funding. The protests turned into violent clashes: law enforcement officers and protesters were wounded, public buildings were set on fire and businesses were looted.

Measures in Paris

French authorities imposed a curfew on Place de la Republique and the streets around Les Halles in central Paris. It applies from 11pm on Monday until 6am on Tuesday. In Lyon, ahead of a partial curfew on October 19, people lit candles in front of the city's tourist office.

Official admission and further protests

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez acknowledged that police had "lost control" of the protests in several cities over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Yellow Vest movement has called for a new round of protests on Saturday.

This report draws on coverage by France 24, Reuters, AP and AFP.