French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said a person had been arrested in the Limoges City Hall fire inquiry as authorities prepared a major security operation for protests planned Oct. 24.
Lecornu told the National Assembly on Oct. 20 that it was the first arrest connected to the blaze. The fire broke out during nationwide demonstrations Oct. 17 and brought down the historic building’s roof. The city said Mayor Guillaume Guérin had been informed of the arrest. Guérin urged a firm judicial response if the allegations are established.
The government also cast the curfews as protection for local businesses.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez estimated that 550,000 people joined the Oct. 17 demonstrations across France. The CGT labor union put turnout at 800,000. The Associated Press reported that rising living costs and poor school conditions were among the protesters’ grievances.
Lecornu credited localized curfews with a calmer night. The Associated Press reported that Lyon authorities renewed a curfew after recording no overnight disturbances. Paris police said restrictions in zones around Place de la République and Les Halles would continue as long as necessary, AP reported.
On Oct. 19, Lecornu announced partial unemployment support at a 100% rate for those affected by the unrest. He also proposed a dedicated fund for businesses, but said ministers would consider tax and social-charge exemptions before deciding on the form of support. No fund amount was announced. Lecornu said the measures were intended to protect shops and jobs and that people convicted of causing damage should face civil liability.
For the Oct. 24 demonstrations, Nuñez said soldiers in the Sentinelle operation would take over security at stationary sites so more police and gendarmes could handle public order. Lecornu said the operation would be extensive but gave no personnel figure. He said the security plan would be presented to him Oct. 22.
