State of emergency could be declared to help stem protests, French PM says

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Monday that a state of emergency could be imposed "if needed", while adding that curfews were a better solution to the crisis over violent protests. With six months to go before France elects a successor to President Emmanuel Macron, the country was rocked over the weekend by some of its worst street violence in years. The unrest came after weeks of student demonstrations demanding better conditions in schools. "I am absolutely determined to restore order," Lecornu said after a crisis meeting, adding he did not rule out imposing a state of emergency. "If needed, I will do it," he said. "As things stand, however, the issue of curfews, and the implementation of those curfews, seems better suited to the situation we may be facing." Read moreStudents join Yellow Vest protest: Greater collective strength versus risk of losing distinct voice In France, a state of emergency grants authorities temporary powers that go beyond ordinary policing in order to respond to a serious threat to public order or national security. Measures can include curfews, restrictions on movement, and bans on public demonstrations. Lecornu said he had asked regional...