France has deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country as authorities prepare for a third day of demonstrations amid growing anger over the cost of living and other social issues. The demonstrations, organized by trade unions, student groups, and the Yellow Vests movement, are taking place on Halloween, raising additional concerns about public safety. Authorities have described the day as high-risk, fearing a repeat of the violence that occurred during the October 17 protests.
The latest security deployment includes more than 10,000 additional officers compared with the previous demonstration. Security measures have been tightened in Paris, with more than 40 metro stations closed throughout the day. Several stations near the Champs-Élysées, the presidential palace, and government buildings are among those affected. Police have also started preventive checks at railway stations to identify people suspected of planning violence or damage during the demonstrations.
The main authorized march in Paris is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. from Porte de Bagnolet. Organizers had initially planned to march between Bastille and Nation, but the Council of State overturned an earlier decision by the Paris Administrative Court that had allowed the route. The decision effectively banned demonstrations along that section of central Paris. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned that Halloween would not be accepted as a legitimate reason to cover one’s face in public with the intention of causing public disorder.
Wearing a face covering to commit violence or disturb public order can result in a €150 fine. Meanwhile, authorities are also concerned about the possible presence of far-right groups and clashes between opposing political groups. In Lyon, Mayor Grégory Doucet reported an undeclared nighttime gathering involving far-right activists outside the city hall of the eighth district. He described the gathering as an intimidation attempt.
Videos circulating online appeared to show masked individuals carrying a banner targeting France Unbowed (LFI). The United Nations human rights office has also expressed concern over the government’s response to the recent protests, with UN experts criticizing what they described as excessive use of force and mass arrests of high school and university students. The protests have also affected public transport and businesses, with several luxury shops near the Champs-Élysées putting up protective barriers.
Shared bicycle companies have removed their vehicles from areas around the planned demonstrations to prevent them from being used as barricades. Authorities are monitoring nearly 600 planned events across France as the country prepares for another day of demonstrations. The protests have caused significant disruptions, with many businesses and public transportation services affected.
The situation remains tense, with authorities urging calm and restraint. The protests are a manifestation of growing anger over the cost of living and other social issues, and it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve in the coming days. The government has stated that it will continue to engage with protesters and address their concerns.
Key points
- France has deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to maintain public safety during the protests.
- The protests are taking place amid growing anger over the cost of living and other social issues.
- Authorities are concerned about the possible presence of far-right groups and clashes between opposing political groups.
