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French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has instructed prefects to impose partial curfews in parts of the country starting this evening, after weekend demonstrations that turned violent and led to widespread looting. The order came after a crisis meeting with cabinet members in Paris.

Restrictions were announced for parts of Paris, Lyon, Lille, Nice and several smaller towns, while the government promised financial help for damaged shops and public facilities and said those responsible for the destruction would be made to pay.

Weekend protests in figures

The yellow vests, backed by students, staged demonstrations across the country on October 17 against the cost of living and high fuel prices. Around 2,400 people were detained nationwide, and about 1,000 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured.

At least 1,500 shops were looted during the protests, and demonstrators clashed with police in major cities.

Key takeaways

• Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ordered prefects to impose partial curfews in parts of France starting this evening
• Curfews and restrictions were announced for parts of Paris, Lyon, Lille, Douai, Wattignies, Nice and Denain
• At least 3,000 shops were damaged or looted, and around 2,400 people were detained during the protests
• The government pledged a special fund to help repair damaged public facilities, without giving an amount