Nîmes, France – As drug-related violence surges across parts of France, several cities have imposed night-time curfews on minors in an effort to curb the rising threat and protect young people from being drawn into the illegal drug trade. The southern city of Nîmes is the latest to implement such measures following a string of violent incidents, including shootings and gang-related crimes.
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What Happened?
On Monday, the Mayor of Nîmes, Jean-Paul Fournier, announced a new curfew from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM for minors under 16 years old. The decision follows a spike in violent episodes, including broad daylight shootings and the grim discovery of a partially burned body of a 19-year-old man on the city’s outskirts.
Officials say the curfew aims to protect minors from exposure to gang activity and drug trafficking, and to prevent further escalation of violence. Additional police units have been deployed throughout the city to maintain public order during curfew hours.
Who Is Behind the Curfews?
The curfew in Nîmes is being enforced under the leadership of Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier and Deputy Mayor Richard Schieven. They stressed that while the curfew primarily targets minors, it is intended to safeguard vulnerable youth who are often exploited by drug gangs for illegal operations.
Deputy Mayor Schieven added that children as young as 12 or 13 years old are increasingly being targeted by traffickers to act as lookouts, couriers, or dealers — making such protective measures urgent.
Other cities, including Béziers and Limoges, have already implemented similar restrictions. Béziers first imposed a curfew for children under 13 last year, later extending it to minors under 15 in certain areas. Despite these measures, violence has continued, including fireworks being launched at police officers in some districts.
Background and Timeline
The curfews come amid a nationwide spike in drug-related violence, which has spread beyond traditional hotspots like Marseille. In 2024 alone, over 110 people were killed and more than 300 injured in gang or drug-related incidents across France.
The city of Nîmes was particularly shaken two years ago, when a 10-year-old boy was killed by a stray bullet during a gang shootout — an incident that highlighted the growing danger faced by children living in high-crime neighborhoods.
Public and Political Reaction
Reactions to the curfews have been mixed. Some residents and local leaders support the measures, viewing them as necessary for child safety and public order. Others, including Mayor Émile Roger Lombertie of Limoges, have questioned their effectiveness. Lombertie pointed out that even after placing over 100 minors under curfew, no arrests were made, calling the enforcement efforts weak.
In Béziers, continued incidents of violence despite the curfew have fueled skepticism. Critics argue that unless police presence is increased and enforcement is strengthened, curfews alone may not yield the intended results.
Government Response and What’s Next
In response to the escalating crisis, the French government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and Justice Minister Bruno Retailleau have announced a series of tougher measures, including:
- The construction of two new maximum-security prisons to detain drug lords
- Creation of a new division of prosecutors focused exclusively on drug crimes
- Stronger protections for informants working with law enforcement
Earlier this year, Parliament passed a bill to tighten laws against drug networks, and 17 of France’s most dangerous traffickers were transferred to high-security prisons in the north. However, these moves triggered retaliatory attacks, including arson and armed assaults on prisons, reflecting the growing power and boldness of organized drug gangs.
Conclusion
The introduction of night-time curfews in Nîmes and other French cities is a clear signal of growing government concern over drug-related violence and its impact on youth. While these measures are intended to protect vulnerable minors, their success will largely depend on broader law enforcement efforts, improved community outreach, and long-term strategies to address the root causes of drug trafficking and urban violence.
This story will be updated as new developments emerge.