France is considering imposing a curfew after protests and the "worst wave of riots" in years

- French officials are studying the possibility of imposing a curfew, at a time when the country is suffering from the worst wave of riots it has witnessed in years, after protests over issues of education and the cost of living turned into a wave of bloody violence that swept the country. Over the weekend, police fired tear gas into crowds and battled rioters dressed in black with their faces covered, setting fires and storming stores and government buildings, while images showed historic buildings engulfed in flames.

The situation remained tense in the country on Monday, as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu asked some cities to impose a “partial curfew” with the aim of protecting individuals, property and commercial activities. In the city of Marseille, officials banned all gatherings and demonstrations from midday until eight o'clock in the evening local time, in anticipation of any further escalation.

In Paris, protesters closed the entrances to the Louvre Museum, forcing its administration to close its doors. These measures followed the arrest of more than two thousand people over the weekend, with at least two deaths recorded, in addition to reports of serious injuries, including two people losing their hands.

At a time when France has begun to assess the extent of the losses, accusations are mounting against the government of failing to adequately assess the extent of the crisis, especially as the country approaches elections to choose a successor to French President Emmanuel Macron, which are only six months away. Authorities and political leaders confirm that the vast majority of protesters remained peaceful, but the scale of violence and destruction - the worst in years - has shaken the country and sparked strong condemnations from leaders and the general public alike.

Macron said, in a speech on Sunday evening: “Those who caused the destruction must pay the price, and those who looted property must compensate for what they destroyed. As for those who sought to overthrow the republic, they will be held accountable for their actions.”

Macron also pledged to hold meetings this week to discuss "concrete proposals" and listen to the demands of protesters. However, it remains to be seen whether these steps are enough to contain the protests in France, as well as similar demonstrations - caused by rising costs of living - that have begun to spread in other neighboring countries.