France braces for ‘very high risk’ of disorder at Halloween protests

What the report says

France is preparing for a new round of nationwide protests on Saturday, Halloween, amid warnings from the government that the risk of unrest is high. According to Al Jazeera, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said authorities will deploy about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country, with armoured vehicles and water cannon among the security measures being reinforced. He described the operation as an exceptional step intended to prevent violence and large-scale disorder.

The planned demonstrations come after repeated protests over the rising cost of living, some of which have turned into looting and riots. Al Jazeera reported that last weekend’s rallies drew about 410,000 people nationwide, while the interior ministry said more than 2,700 people were arrested during protests a week earlier. The yellow vest movement and student unions have both called for fresh mobilizations, and the yellow vests have announced a “third act” of their campaign.

Nunez warned against using Halloween masks to conceal identities during unrest and said protests would be permitted, but not in city centres where public order could be threatened. He also said gatherings linked to social media calls for a “revolution” would be banned. The warning reflects broader tensions in France, where authorities have faced pressure to curb escalating street violence while allowing lawful demonstrations.