
France is facing a tense situation after a weekend marked by massive protests, clashes with police and looting in several cities across the country.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced that local authorities will have the option to impose partial curfews, with the aim of protecting citizens and businesses.
"We will not be dictated to and ruled by lawbreakers, thieves and bandits," Lecornu declared, condemning acts of violence and destruction during the demonstrations.
More than half a million people reportedly took to the streets of France on Saturday. The protests, which initially began over school conditions and then expanded to include demands against rising fuel prices and the cost of living, were accompanied in some areas by clashes, arson and looting of businesses.
In Paris alone, more than 350 arrests were made on Sunday, while reports speak of significant material damage.
The head of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in France stated that around 2,000 businesses have been directly affected by the demonstrations.
Prime Minister Lecornu announced that curfews will be limited to certain areas and will be implemented according to local needs.
According to him, this measure is more appropriate than declaring a state of emergency, a possibility that the government has not completely ruled out.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted that the police had failed to predict the scale of the unrest.
He had offered to resign, but it was rejected by President Emmanuel Macron, who wants to preserve the chain of command within the security forces.