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