France’s PM says could declare state of emergency over unrest ‘if needed’

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Monday that a state of emergency could be imposed “if necessary” while adding that curfews were a better solution to the crisis over violent protests.

“I am absolutely determined to restore order,” Lecornu said after a crisis meeting. “A state of emergency is still a very serious measure, including in terms of its implementation. So if it is necessary, of course we could do it. As things stand, however, the issue of curfews, and the implementation of those curfews, seems better suited to the situation we may be facing.”