French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu instructed prefects to introduce partial curfews on Oct. 19 after protest violence damaged shops, adding restrictions as students kept the Louvre closed amid anger over living costs.
Lecornu said prefects should introduce curfews in affected areas on the evening of Oct. 19 (Paris time; UTC+2). Prefects were to consult mayors and chambers of commerce before introducing them. He said the measures were intended to protect people and shops following violence and looting during the Oct. 17 demonstrations.
Beginning Oct. 20, short-time work assistance for affected retailers would be provided at 100%, Lecornu said. Ministers were also weighing a dedicated aid fund against tax or social contribution relief after consultations. The form of that additional support had not been decided.
The National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) said consumer prices rose 3.1% in September 2026 from September 2025. Energy prices climbed 21.3% over the same period, with diesel up 44.1% and gasoline up 25.7%.
Insee linked the acceleration in French inflation since March to higher hydrocarbon prices following conflict in the Middle East. Its analysis said households were bearing much of the resulting loss in purchasing power.
The unrest also reached the Louvre, where a student blockade closed the museum to visitors on Oct. 19. Le Monde reported from the museum that École du Louvre students said they were backing high school protesters and seeking more funding for education and culture.
President Emmanuel Macron said several hundred thousand people demonstrated across France on Oct. 17. In an Oct. 18 address, he acknowledged concerns about living costs and fuel prices while distinguishing demonstrators from those responsible for damage. Macron said Lecornu would convene pupils, university students, teachers, union and employer representatives, local authorities and lawmakers during the week of Oct. 19.
Insee is scheduled to release its October consumer price figures on Nov. 13.
