The French prime minister said on Oct 20 that targeted curfews imposed in parts of Paris and other cities after days of protests that turned violent have helped maintain nighttime order, and that local authorities may reimpose targeted curfews where they deem necessary tonight. Paris, Lyon, Lille, Nice and other cities enforced partial curfews overnight Oct 19–20 to prevent renewed unrest. Nationwide protests began Oct 17; the government says at least 3,000 shops have been looted.