Several French cities will impose curfews after protests against the high cost of living escalated into mass unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the measure on Monday, October 19, after convening the government's crisis team. The demonstrations began as anger over rising prices and living expenses. In some places they poured onto the streets as open disorder, which pushed authorities toward tougher tools. Night-time movement restrictions will now apply in a series of affected cities. The measure is being presented as a way to restore calm without a wider clampdown. The decision came straight out of the crisis meeting, a sign of how fast the situation has moved. Officials will watch the coming nights before deciding whether further steps are needed.