Paris, Oct. 19 -- French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has instructed regional authorities to impose "partial curfews" in selected urban areas on Monday evening as the nation grapples with two consecutive days of violent disturbances fuelled by "ultra-left groups", resulting in municipal town halls being burnt down and hundreds of businesses being looted, France 24 reported.

Amid the unfolding crisis, French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday criticised security "failures" that he said led to widespread protests across the country, while rejecting the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, France 24 reported. At least 2,400 people were arrested following the unrest, which saw town halls set on fire and hundreds of businesses...