France credits targeted curfews with calmer night after widespread riots

France experienced some of its worst rioting in recent years on October 17, according to The Hindu. Reports described a weekend of violence and looting across the country.

The unrest exposed problems with the police response. BBC News reported that the interior minister admitted police had "lost control" in some cities. The supplied coverage does not explain what initially triggered the disorder.

By October 19, curfews had been imposed in parts of central Paris and other cities, BBC News reported. These were targeted restrictions, rather than a nationwide curfew.

On October 20, Express & Star reported that the Paris measures covered two areas and were intended to prevent further disorder after the weekend's rioting.

Later coverage on October 20 shifted to the overnight picture. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said targeted curfews had contributed to a quiet night following the riots and looting, according to BBC - Home.

The government's assessment is that the restrictions helped bring overnight calm, not that the unrest is definitively over. The Guardian reported that Lecornu credited the targeted curfews in parts of Paris and other major cities while leaving open the possibility of more restrictions.

The next decision is where further curfews may be needed. Euronews reported on October 20 that France would impose new restrictions where the situation required them.

The government also scheduled another series of emergency meetings for Tuesday, including talks with representatives of major social media platforms, according to Euronews. The supplied coverage does not specify what those talks are expected to produce.