France Tightens Security, Extending Curfews to Several Areas
In Paris, curfews will run from 10pm to 6am around Place de la République and on streets in the Les Halles area, French broadcaster BFMTV reported, according to Anadolu Agency on Tuesday (20 October 2026).
The curfew applies to all residents, not only minors. A ban on demonstrations in several parts of Paris has also been announced, running from 8pm to 6am.
In Lyon, a curfew will be imposed from 9pm to 6am in parts of the Presqu’île area, in the city centre.
Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti announced a curfew in his city for minors, from 9pm to 6am on streets in the city centre. Ciotti said the measure was intended to protect residents, citing “gangs of rioters roaming the streets” over the previous weekend.
In Gironde, in south-western France, a curfew will apply to minors who are not accompanied by a legal guardian. It will run from 10pm to 7am until 26 October.
Gironde authorities said the policy covers areas most affected by looting and vandalism on 17 October, when demonstrations were widespread.
The restrictions come as authorities in various parts of France introduce curfews and other security measures following violence and looting during nationwide protests over the weekend against rising living costs.
On Monday evening (19 October), authorities announced curfews for two nights in four areas in northern France: Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain. The measures were approved by the respective mayors.
The curfews in those areas run from 8pm to 6am. In Denain, they run from 9pm to 6am and remain in force until 25 October.
Foreign Minister monitors Indonesians’ safety
Protests against the rising cost of living in France have spread to other European countries, including Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Albania.
Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir, known as Tata, said his ministry was continuing to monitor Indonesians in Europe, particularly in countries affected by unrest. “Of course, we are continuing to monitor the situation in Europe, especially in France and several other countries,” Tata told reporters at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (20 October 2026).
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said no Indonesians had been involved in the unrest in Paris. The ministry is continuing to monitor the security situation there.
“According to the records of the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, no Indonesians have so far been involved in the demonstrations,” said Heni Hamidah, director of the ministry’s Indonesian Citizens Protection Directorate, in a statement on Sunday (18 October).
The embassy has urged Indonesians in Paris to exercise caution and keep up to date with security developments.
“The Indonesian Embassy in Paris has advised all Indonesians in its area of responsibility to remain vigilant and follow developments in the security situation, monitor official information from local authorities, avoid crowds, and adjust travel plans if they encounter road closures and/or diversions,” Heni said.
Heni added that the embassy would continue monitoring the security situation after the demonstrations and remain in contact with Indonesians. In an emergency, Indonesians in its area of responsibility can contact the Indonesian Embassy in Paris hotline on +33-6-2112-2109.
Demonstrations took place in several French cities on Saturday (17 October), with protesters opposing rising living costs and declining public services.
Protests in some areas descended into chaos, as hard-line groups vandalised public buildings, looted luxury boutiques and supermarkets, and attacked vehicles and police officers.
The protests then spread to Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Albania. Although smaller than the demonstrations in France, protests in the other European countries also saw clashes between demonstrators and police.