Paris authorities announced a nightly curfew beginning at 10 p.m. across the city, citing a decline in rioting activity over the past 48 hours. The measure, which applies to all residents and visitors, aims to prevent a resurgence of unrest and allow police to focus on maintaining public order.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the curfew is a temporary step to protect neighborhoods that experienced the most intense clashes earlier this week. "Our priority is the safety of Parisians," she told a press conference, adding that the curfew will be reviewed daily based on the security situation.
Police reported a noticeable drop in violent incidents after a series of protests sparked by the government's pension reform plan. According to the Prefecture of Police, the number of arrests related to the unrest fell by roughly 30 percent compared with the peak on Thursday.
The curfew restricts movement for anyone outside their home after 10 p.m., except for essential workers, emergency personnel and individuals with a valid reason, such as late‑night medical appointments. Violators may face fines of up to 135 euros and possible detention.
Transport services have adjusted schedules to accommodate the new rule. Metro lines will run reduced night service, and several bus routes will cease operations after 11 p.m. The city has also increased patrols near major transit hubs and popular nightlife districts to enforce compliance.
Local businesses expressed mixed reactions. Some restaurant owners welcomed the reduced risk of property damage, while others warned that the curfew could hurt evening revenue. "We understand the need for security, but a blanket curfew hurts our staff and customers," said a proprietor in the 11th arrondissement.
Human rights groups urged authorities to ensure the curfew is applied fairly and without discrimination. A spokesperson for Amnesty International France noted that curfews can disproportionately affect marginalized communities and called for transparent reporting on enforcement actions.
The curfew will be reassessed each evening by the mayor's office in consultation with police officials. If the situation continues to improve, officials indicated they would consider lifting the restriction within the next week.
For now, Paris residents are advised to stay indoors after 10 p.m., keep identification handy, and follow updates from official city channels.
The curfew marks the latest step in a series of security measures introduced since the protests began, including increased police presence, temporary road closures and the deployment of additional riot‑control units.
Authorities emphasized that the curfew is not a permanent policy but a response to the immediate need to restore calm and protect public safety.