France to deploy 70,000 police officers for Halloween amid fears of renewed violent riots

The French Government has announced the deployment of 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country, amid concerns that ongoing social unrest could lead to further violence, looting and clashes with security forces.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has warned of a "very high risk of public disorder" after authorities detected several calls on social media encouraging violent actions during Halloween celebrations.

The French authorities are particularly concerned about gatherings scheduled to begin after 8:00 p.m., when most conventional demonstrations are expected to have ended.

According to Nuñez, some of the messages circulating online encourage participants to overwhelm police deployments and engage in acts of violence and public disorder.

France warns against using Halloween masks to conceal identities during protests

One of the main concerns raised by the French Interior Ministry is that some demonstrators could use Halloween costumes and masks to conceal their identities during potential riots.

The Government has therefore warned that the holiday will not be accepted as a justification for covering one's face during demonstrations.

"The pretext of Halloween night will not be a legitimate reason to conceal one's face in public spaces," Laurent Nuñez stated.

Authorities have announced plans to ban gatherings considered dangerous in certain urban areas and strengthen preventive checks to detect objects that could be used during violent incidents.

The Interior Ministry has also reminded participants that carrying weapons or objects that could be used as weapons is prohibited, even when presented as part of a Halloween costume.

Nuñez has warned that the police response will be "extremely firm" in the event of violence.

Protests over the cost of living continue to shake France

The current wave of demonstrations began several weeks ago with protests involving secondary school students, before expanding to include trade unions and sections of the Yellow Vest movement.

Demonstrators have expressed frustration over rising living costs, insufficient wages and the deterioration of public services, grievances that have contributed to the spread of protests across numerous French cities.

The movement has organised two consecutive weekends of large-scale demonstrations, with particularly serious incidents recorded on October 17, when several commercial establishments were looted or damaged.

On Saturday, October 24, the Interior Ministry reported approximately 410,000 demonstrators, while organisers estimated significantly higher participation.

Although disturbances occurred in several cities, the reinforced police presence helped prevent a widespread repetition of the previous weekend's looting.

The continuing demonstrations have increased pressure on the Government of President Emmanuel Macron, which is facing growing public dissatisfaction over economic and social policies.

French authorities identify radical groups organising nighttime protests

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has attributed some of the most violent protest calls to radical far-left groups and certain factions associated with the Yellow Vest movement.

According to the minister, messages circulating on social media include calls for a revolution and encourage nighttime demonstrations in different French cities.

Authorities are also monitoring the use of alternative digital communication platforms to coordinate protests.

Among the applications attracting attention is Bitchat, a messaging service capable of operating without a conventional internet connection, making communications more difficult to monitor through traditional methods.

The Government aims to prevent authorised demonstrations from becoming scenes of confrontation between violent participants and police officers.

Officials have emphasised that the security operation is intended to protect public order while allowing peaceful demonstrations to take place.

Exceptional security deployment with armoured vehicles, helicopters and drones

The security operation announced by the French Government will involve specialised police and gendarmerie units, supported by armoured vehicles, helicopters, drones and additional operational teams.

The deployment will resemble the security measures implemented during the previous weekend, although authorities have announced increased surveillance during Halloween night.

In several French cities, shopkeepers have also begun protecting their storefronts and entrances amid fears of renewed looting and vandalism.

The operation will focus particularly on major urban centres, shopping districts and locations where unauthorised gatherings have been announced.

The Interior Ministry hopes that the extensive security presence will discourage violent groups from attempting to exploit Halloween celebrations to organise further disturbances.

Another nationwide strike planned for November 5

Social tensions in France could continue beyond Halloween.

Trade unions and student organisations have announced another nationwide strike for November 5, raising the possibility of further demonstrations across the country.

President Emmanuel Macron's Government is therefore facing a succession of mobilisations linked to purchasing power, working conditions and public services.

The wave of protests has become a significant political challenge for the French administration, particularly as concerns grow over the potential escalation of violence.

The central question for Saturday, October 31, is whether the deployment of 70,000 officers will be sufficient to prevent further riots and looting while allowing peaceful demonstrations to proceed.

French authorities have reiterated that they will respond firmly to violence and maintain an extensive security presence throughout Halloween night.