18:22 | October 19, 2026 French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Monday that a state of emergency could be imposed "if needed," while adding that curfews were a better solution to the crisis over violent protests, AFP reports.

"I am absolutely determined to restore order," Lecornu said after a crisis meeting, adding he did not rule out imposing a state of emergency. "If needed, I will do it," he said. "As things stand, however, the issue of curfews, and the implementation of those curfews, seems better suited to the situation we may be facing."

In France, a state of emergency grants authorities temporary powers that go beyond ordinary policing in order to respond to a serious threat to public order or national security. Measures can include curfews, restrictions on movement, and bans on public demonstrations. Lecornu said he had asked regional authorities to impose "localized" curfews on Monday evening, notably to protect businesses.

A map of the curfew zones was set to be released later Monday following consultations with mayors.