France 24 said weekend violence could help France's far-right National Rally politically, as officials moved to contain unrest with partial curfews after demonstrations tied to living costs and school conditions.
In its Oct. 19 report, the outlet said public anger and concern about law and order had created an opportunity for the party. It also described political camps as blaming one another for the unrest.
The dispute is unfolding ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has accused an “ultra-left movement” of seeking unrest before the vote.
On Monday, Lecornu instructed prefects to put partial, localized curfews in place that evening. Before selecting locations, prefects were to consult mayors and chambers of commerce. Lecornu said the measures aim to protect people and shops, following EconoTimes’ earlier coverage of the curfew plan.
The French Ministry of the Interior counted 550,000 demonstrators nationwide on Oct. 17. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said authorities deployed 60,000 police and gendarmes, but officers could not maintain order in some cities, as described in EconoTimes’ earlier account of Nuñez’s security assessment.
Lecornu said unions had notified the government of a demonstration planned for Nov. 5. He said he would discuss security for the event with union representatives.
