By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
You are listening to a new special from am1575news, Francia24 and Radio Centrale Milano, in podcasting and on medium waves.
France is being shaken by a series of restrictions on freedom of movement. Following the violent clashes and looting that occurred last weekend during protests against the rising cost of living, several large French cities have implemented partial and localized curfews. The measures affect strategic areas of Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Lille and Nice, with the aim of preventing new episodes of public disorder.
The rules vary significantly from one city to another. In Paris, the restriction was applied from eleven in the evening until six in the morning, covering crucial areas such as Place de la République and the Châtelet district. In Lyon, however, the circulation ban took effect as early as nine in the evening, involving the historic center and the Place Bellecour area.
Red zones and restrictions for minors
The differences concern not only the timings but also the target of the measures. While in Paris and Lyon the circulation ban is extended to the entire population residing or transiting in the delimited zones, in other cities the restrictions are targeted. In Bordeaux, Lille and Nice, in fact, the measure concerns exclusively minors unaccompanied by a legal guardian.
In Bordeaux, the curfew takes shape in the areas most affected by looting, such as Rue Sainte-Catherine. In Nice, authorities have locked down the historic center, the Trachel district and the station area. The city of Marseille is also preparing for the imposition of restrictions that will exclusively affect commercial areas most exposed to potential new clashes.
Prolonged measures and risk of new decrees
Uncertainty regarding the duration of these restrictions remains high. While in Paris and Lyon the decrees were initially limited to a single night, other cities foresee a longer period of vigilance. In Nice, the measures will remain in force until the morning of October 26, while in Bordeaux the curfew will begin Tuesday evening with a similar duration.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has already warned that new restrictions could be decided on Tuesday evening based on the evolution of the situation on the ground. The decision rests with the prefects in close collaboration with local mayors. In Marseille, Mayor Benoît Payan has confirmed that the restrictions will come into effect Tuesday evening for the coming days, without a definitive end date yet.
Legality and sanctions for violations
The authorities are relying on general police powers to protect minors and prevent serious threats to public order. The internal security code allows prefects to limit the freedom of movement of minors under thirteen years of age should their presence on public streets represent a risk to security or morality.
Anyone who decides to ignore these orders runs the risk of heavy administrative sanctions. Violating measures aimed at ensuring public safety can result in a fine of up to seven hundred and fifty euros. Despite the severity of the measures, it remains possible to file an appeal with the administrative court against prefectural or municipal decrees.
That is all for now. From the newsrooms in Nice and Paris, this is am1575news, Francia24 and Radio Centrale Milano.
Source: AudioVisione – AM 1575 News