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

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Authorities vow firm action against violence as yellow vest and student movements announce widespread demonstrations. France’s interior minister has announced the deployment of 70,000 police officers across the country in preparation for planned protests on Saturday, coinciding with Halloween. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Thursday that security measures, including the use of armoured vehicles and water cannon introduced last week, will be strengthened.

Nationwide protests over the rising cost of living have rocked France, with some degenerating into large-scale looting and riots. “The day of October 31 presents a very high risk of public disorder,” Nunez said at a news conference. About 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be mobilised, matching the number deployed at last week’s protests, he said, calling the move an “exceptional measure”.

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Demonstrations last Saturday drew about 410,000 protesters nationwide, according to the interior ministry, though unions put the figure at roughly double that. The ministry said more than 2,700 people were arrested a week earlier. The “yellow vest” movement and student unions have called for a new day of protests on Saturday.

Nunez warned demonstrators against using Halloween as “a legitimate reason to hide one’s face” to cause disturbances in public areas. He told reporters demonstrations would be allowed, but “not in city centres, where there is a risk of public disorder”.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.