France is working to regain control after the most destructive rioting in years, during which thousands of businesses were looted and buildings torched. President Emmanuel Macron's government has increased police presence in public spaces and implemented partial curfews in Paris and other cities. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu told parliament that the government would reinforce police in major cities and coordinate with mayors to determine the necessity of curfews.
These restrictions contributed to a return to calm on Tuesday, following a quiet Monday night. The lull provides a breather for police and public authorities who have been exhausted by weeks of protests. As part of the state's effort to reassert control, those arrested during the unrest are facing expedited trials.
The government has scheduled emergency meetings, including talks with representatives from major social media platforms. This unrest takes place within a febrile political atmosphere marked by strikes, as far right and far left candidates lead the field for the presidential election next April and May. Prime Minister Lecornu also accused extreme-left groups of attempting to hijack the protests.