French cities ‘calm overnight’ after targeted curfews, prime minister says – Europe live

Key events10m ago40-year-old man arrested in relation to Limoges town hall fire29m agoMorning opening: French PM says targeted curfews 'have contributed to calm overnight'40-year-old man arrested in relation to Limoges town hall fireA 40-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of being involved in the arson attack that ravaged Limoges town hall over the weekend, French media reported.A fire burning and destroying the city hall after a group of individuals forced entry into the building during ongoing protest action against the "high cost of living", in Limoges, central France. Photograph: Pascal Lachenaud/AFP/Getty ImagesThe man is reportedly a “far-left activist” with a prior record that saw him placed on the security services’ watchlist, according to Le Figaro.Morning opening: French PM says targeted curfews 'have contributed to calm overnight'Jakub KrupaFrench prime minister Sébastien Lecornu said that targeted curfews introduced in parts of Paris and other major cities “have contributed to calm overnight,” as he suggested more curfews could be introduced if needed today.A police helicopter overflies the Place de la République during the first night of an enforced overnight curfew following recent widespread urban unrest in France. Photograph: CLPRESS/ABACA/ShutterstockIn a particular symbol of stepped up security measures, a helicopter flew over the French capital’s Place de la Republique, one of the epicentres of the unrest, sweeping a powerful searchlight across the square, AFP said.While some restrictions, such as those in Paris, initially applied only for the night from Monday to Tuesday, others, particularly in Bordeaux and Nice, were set to remain in force for several days, the agency noted.Meanwhile, Italy’s government decided to dispatch 500 army troops to Milan after two days of unrest in the city, with shops in the city centre affected by riots and looting.Empty storefronts and closed high-fashion boutiques in the fashion district and on Via Montenapoleone in Milan, Italy. Photograph: Emanuele Roberto De Carli/NurPhoto/ShutterstockI will keep an eye on the latest from both France and Italy.Elsewhere, the European parliament in Strasbourg will debate EU-UK relations this morning, and Nato’s Mark Rutte will host the Turkish foreign minister for talks. Lithuania’s president Gitanas Nausėda is in Poland to discuss regional security.I will bring you all the key news from across Europe here.It’s Tuesday, 20 October 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.Good morning.