Curfews imposed in several French cities

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is due to meet trade union representatives today to discuss ensuring security during protests and responding to demands made by high school students.

TodayPress TV reports, citing Franceinfo, that the government has maintained overnight curfews in several cities to prevent a repeat of the violence that occurred during the October 17 demonstrations. The government’s main objectives are to restore public order and find a way out of the crisis.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has pledged extensive security measures for the next round of demonstrations scheduled for Saturday. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has also said that the number, deployment and mobility of security personnel, as well as their capacity to respond to incidents, will be reassessed. The aim is to enable law enforcement to intervene more swiftly against groups attempting to disrupt public order.

Student protests spread to most universities

Hélène Boulanger, vice-president of France Universités and president of the University of Lorraine, said the student movement had affected approximately 90% of the country’s universities. Entrances have been blocked at some higher education institutions, while others have suspended operations as a precautionary measure by administrative decision.

In Marseille, minors are prohibited from being outdoors after 10 p.m. in part of the city centre and several shopping areas. Curfews also remain in force in Paris and Lyon.

In Toulouse, overnight restrictions will apply from Thursday through Sunday around Place du Capitole and the city centre’s shopping streets.