France Experiences Widespread Riots and Curfews
Source reports published 19 Oct 2026, 10:51 pm – 20 Oct 2026, 4:23 am AEST
Following weeks of student protests, France has experienced widespread rioting and looting in urban centers. Prime Minister Lecornu has implemented partial curfews and is considering a state of emergency to restore order.
What happened
- Rioting and looting have occurred across France, particularly in urban areas like Paris and several northern cities including Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain.
- The unrest began with student demonstrations over school conditions and has broadened to encompass wider concerns about the country.
- French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the implementation of partial curfews, starting at 8pm local time, to protect businesses and people.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nunez admitted that police had "lost control" in some areas, leading to the curfew measures.
- Mayor of Paris Centre, Ariel Weil, requested military deployment and a curfew due to being overwhelmed by the situation.
- Simultaneously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hamas terrorists were "on the streets of Paris,".
- He further predicted a shift in France's political landscape towards a right-wing government.
- Donald Trump warned of migrants "taking over" France, calling for border closures.
Original reporting
- BBC: France protest: Are the riots a warning of an intense election to come?
2026-10-19T13:43:27.276000+00:00 - France 24 English: French PM Lecornu says ready to declare state of emergency 'if needed'
2026-10-19T12:51:21+00:00 - GB News: France struggles to contain riots as Benjamin Netanyahu warns Hamas 'on the streets of Paris'
2026-10-19T18:23:26+00:00