France is deploying 70,000 police officers and gendarmes for protests planned on Saturday, as the interior minister warns of a “very high risk of public disorder” during Halloween demonstrations.
Laurent Nunez said security measures would be reinforced across the country, including the use of armoured vehicles and water cannon introduced last week. He described the mobilisation as an “exceptional measure”.
The yellow vest movement and student unions have called for a fresh day of action, with the yellow vests announcing a “third act” involving demonstrations outside the National Assembly and town halls nationwide.
France protests face restrictions on Halloween
Mr Nunez said demonstrations would be permitted, but not in city centres where officials believed there was a risk of disorder. He also warned protesters against using Halloween as “a legitimate reason to hide one’s face” while causing disturbances in public areas.
“These gatherings will be banned,” he said, referring to messages he accused the “ultra-left” and some yellow vest activists of circulating on social media. The messages allegedly promoted Halloween evening protests calling for a “revolution”.
The minister also issued a warning to far-right groups involved in clashes with left-wing protesters at rallies in about 15 French cities.
“We will tolerate no excesses,” Mr Nunez said, pledging an “extremely firm” response to violence.
Nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living have recently been followed by large-scale looting and riots in some areas. Last Saturday’s protests attracted about 410,000 people, according to the interior ministry, while unions estimated the turnout at roughly twice that figure.
The ministry said more than 2,700 people had been arrested a week earlier, underscoring the security challenge facing authorities as protesters prepare to return to the streets.
