French Interior Minister Declares Strong Response to Halloween Protests

The protests in France, which began with demands for improved educational conditions, have escalated into widespread unrest as Halloween approaches. Authorities are on high alert, declaring a strong response to anticipated overnight demonstrations calling for 'revolution.'

On October 30, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez held a press conference, stating, "October 31 poses a significant risk to public order," and announced the deployment of 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide as part of emergency security measures. As with the previous weekend, armored vehicles, water cannons, and special forces will be fully mobilized.

French authorities are particularly vigilant about the potential for surprise riots under the guise of Halloween festivities. Posts on social media have circulated, urging radical left groups and some 'Yellow Vest' activists to gather in major city streets starting at 8 p.m. on October 31 to incite 'revolution.'

Nunez warned that any acts of vandalism, particularly those involving individuals wearing Halloween masks to conceal their identities, would be met with strict penalties. He stated that while general protests would be permitted, access to cities deemed at high risk for unrest would be restricted, emphasizing, "No deviations will be tolerated, and we will respond very firmly." He also indicated that far-right groups involved in clashes with protesters would face immediate criminal charges if they appeared on the streets.

The unrest initially sparked by high school students advocating for better educational conditions has rapidly escalated into nationwide turmoil following riots and looting on October 17, which resulted in approximately 2,700 arrests. The government acknowledged its initial failure in security and intelligence responses as chaos reached its peak.

On October 24, an estimated 410,000 people (according to the Interior Ministry; around 800,000 according to unions) gathered for protests. While the deployment of 70,000 troops prevented major looting, allegations of excessive force have emerged. Several teenage protesters sustained serious injuries, further intensifying the protests against police violence and the rising cost of living.

Relations between the government and youth organizations have soured. Nunez met with representatives from youth groups on October 29, but the discussions broke down as the minister did not acknowledge police violence. The National Union of Students (UNEF) dismissed the meeting as a "conversation where no understanding was reached."

The 'Yellow Vest' movement plans to proceed with a third round of protests on October 31, including sit-ins in front of the National Assembly and city halls across the country. Various labor unions have also announced a nationwide strike on November 5, escalating political unrest throughout France.