French cities calm following targeted curfews and thousands of arrests

French authorities reported a return to relative calm overnight after targeted curfews were implemented in response to widespread looting and violence. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu instructed local officials to enforce partial restrictions in designated urban areas following weekend demonstrations over economic pressures and educational conditions.

Lecornu blamed criminal groups and far-left agitators for driving the disorder, noting that emergency powers remain an option if violence resumes. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged security flaws during the crisis but declined the resignation offer from Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. Nuñez publicly admitted that law enforcement temporarily lost control during clashes that resulted in more than 2,400 arrests and extensive damage to businesses and public infrastructure.

Sources: BBC News, France24, Politico Europe, STV News, The Guardian.