The Paris Police Prefecture renewed an overnight curfew in two central areas Tuesday, restricting movement after weekend unrest left 283 businesses vandalized across the French capital.
The order runs from 5 p.m. ET Oct. 20 to 12 a.m. ET Oct. 21 (11 p.m. Oct. 20 to 6 a.m. Oct. 21 in Paris, CEST). It covers the central section of Place de la République and part of Les Halles, following an initial curfew in the same areas.
Under the Police Prefecture’s order, residents, people whose work requires access and emergency personnel may enter if they can justify their presence. Businesses may continue operating within the restricted areas.
The City of Paris counted 283 vandalized businesses as of Oct. 20 following the Oct. 17–18 unrest. It advises affected merchants to document their losses, file insurance claims and seek assistance if trading has been disrupted.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Oct. 19 that he had instructed prefects to impose partial curfews and consult mayors and chambers of commerce and industry about where to apply them. He cited public transport concerns at Les Halles and the symbolic importance of République in explaining the targeted restrictions.
During the first curfew, on Oct. 19–20, officers checked some identity papers and directed pedestrians away, Euronews reported. Its footage from that night showed quiet streets and a police helicopter over Les Halles.
The Paris visitor bureau has identified a planned Oct. 24 mobilization as a possible cause of further travel changes.
