France will deploy around 70,000 police officers and security personnel across the country on Saturday to prevent fresh unrest during nationwide protests expected to coincide with Halloween. The demonstrations come two weeks after riots and looting took security forces by surprise, leaving shops, businesses and public buildings damaged in several French cities. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has vowed to prevent a repeat of the violence. “Everyone is on deck to ensure an extremely firm response to any trouble,” Nunez told a news conference earlier this week. He described Saturday as a day carrying a “very high risk” of unrest. Authorities are also concerned that protesters could use Halloween masks to conceal their identities. Nunez said existing laws allow police to prohibit face coverings when public order is at risk. The US Embassy has advised travellers to avoid areas where demonstrations or large gatherings are planned. The protests gained momentum in late September as Macron’s minority government began negotiations over the 2027 budget. With public debt approaching 120 per cent of economic output and borrowing costs rising, the government faces pressure to reduce spending. Students protesting deteriorating school facilities, overcrowded classrooms and an admissions system they consider unfair have joined trade unions and members of the resurgent Yellow Vest movement. Demonstrators are demanding action on the rising cost of living and declining public services. Pakistan Mediation Army says cautiously optimistic about Iran-US peace efforts The unrest has also inspired youth-led demonstrations elsewhere in Europe, with protests planned in more than 30 German cities on Saturday. Government promises to reform education and ease fuel costs have so far failed to satisfy demonstrators. Aaron Berthier de Grandry, a 15-year-old student from Nogent-sur-Marne near Paris, said he planned to join his third consecutive weekend of protests. He said young people had been told they were the future of France but were concerned about the lack of resources available to them. The protests have also affected France’s political landscape. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has received a boost amid the unrest, while potential centrist successors to Macron remain divided ahead of the April presidential election. The demonstrations have added pressure to an already struggling economy. Data released on Friday showed that France’s economy contracted in the third quarter. The Chamber of Commerce estimates that retailers have suffered losses exceeding €1 billion. Other estimates suggest the total could be twice as high when uninsured damage and lost revenue are included. In Paris, Christmas lights have appeared along major shopping streets, contrasting with boarded-up shopfronts and security grilles. Previous unrest damaged outlets belonging to luxury brands including Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Burberry. Meanwhile, the government is pursuing a controversial law that would make rioters liable for compensation of up to €10,000 for damage caused either individually or by groups they are considered to belong to. Rights organisations and some lawyers have criticised the proposal, arguing that it could undermine the right to peaceful protest. Post navigation Israel Election Netanyahu’s bloc wins most seats but falls short of majority Gaza Ceasefire Two Palestinians killed in Israeli military operations
