France sees fresh protest clashes, braces for Halloween night violence

Scuffles erupted as cost-of-living demonstrations entered a third weekend across France. Authorities heightened security over fears that Halloween masks could conceal rioters.People take part in a demonstration organised by labour unions as part of nationwide protests against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 31, 2026. (Reuters)Scuffles broke out in Paris and several other French cities on Saturday as demonstrations against rising living costs and strained public services entered their third consecutive weekend, prompting authorities to prepare for possible further violence during Halloween celebrations.The protests remained largely peaceful through the afternoon before clashes erupted towards the end of marches. Riot police moved to disperse groups of demonstrators in Paris, while tear gas was fired in Lyon and Toulouse. Tensions were also reported at the end of unauthorised gatherings in Marseille, although the situation had calmed by nightfall.The latest demonstrations followed a wave of rioting and looting on October 17 that left shops, businesses and public buildings damaged and caught security forces off guard. Authorities were particularly concerned about the possibility of renewed violence overnight, with officials warning that some protesters could use Halloween festivities to conceal their identities."Security forces held their ground and protected city centres. Public order was maintained," Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told reporters, while acknowledging that police had faced "a great deal of violence". He warned that the threat had not passed, citing calls for insurrection on Halloween night."The day is not over. We are ready for those looking for a fight tonight, and we will respond firmly," Nunez said.TURNOUT FALLS AS PROTESTS SPREAD ACROSS FRANCE Around 320,000 people took part in Saturday's demonstrations nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry. The turnout was lower than the previous two weekends, when 410,000 people protested on October 24 and 550,000 on October 17.The ministry said "radical elements" had tried to break away from marches in cities including Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon and Marseille, with the intention of causing damage and looting. Security forces prevented them from doing so, it added.Police checks at railway stations and on roads also uncovered people carrying objects that could potentially be used as weapons, the ministry said.The marches brought together students, trade unions and a smaller group of anti-establishment Yellow Vest protesters. Their demands include action on the cost of living, high fuel prices and inflation, as well as better public services and changes to President Emmanuel Macron's government."The French economy is doing badly no matter what happens, because today we're being run by a group of incompetents who juggle billions, while families are struggling with a few cents," protester Jerome Rodriguez said during the Paris march."That's why we're here, to keep shouting our demands louder and louder and hopefully get a response from the government, although that seems very unlikely."Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, whose ratings have risen in recent weeks ahead of next April's presidential election, led the Paris demonstration.The march was held along boulevards on the eastern edge of the capital after France's top administrative court upheld a ban on the route between the landmark Place de la Nation and Place de la Bastille. The court rejected a challenge by trade unions, while authorities approved an alternative route away from central shopping districts.HALLOWEEN MASKS RAISE SECURITY CONCERNSFrench authorities have warned that some rioters could use Halloween masks to hide their identities. Nunez has vowed to prevent a repeat of the October 17 violence, pointing out that existing laws allow police to ban face coverings when public order is at risk.The US Embassy also advised travellers to stay away from areas where demonstrations or large gatherings were planned.The unrest has coincided with a difficult period for Macron's government, which is under pressure to rein in public spending amid mounting concerns about the country's finances.Ratings agency Fitch unexpectedly revised its outlook on French debt to negative on Friday. Public debt is approaching 120% of economic output, while borrowing costs have been rising, leaving the government with limited room to respond through additional spending.The French protests have also inspired youth-led Gen Z demonstrations elsewhere in Europe, including rallies in several German cities on Saturday. Protests were also reported in Italy.STUDENT PROTESTS FUEL WIDER ANGERThe movement gained momentum in late September, when Macron's minority government began discussions on its 2027 budget. Students initially took to the streets over deteriorating school infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and a university admissions system they consider unfair. Trade unions and the Yellow Vest movement subsequently joined the demonstrations.Government pledges to reform education and ease fuel costs have so far failed to quell the discontent."When I was little, I was told young people were the future," said Aaron Berthier de Grandry, a 15-year-old high school student from the Paris suburb of Nogent-sur-Marne, who planned to join the protests for a third consecutive weekend."Well, if we, as the future of France, lack resources, that means France will end up collapsing."The unrest has also given a political boost to far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who leads opinion polls ahead of the April presidential election. Potential centrist successors to Macron, meanwhile, remain divided.The protests have added to the economic pressure on France, with data released on Friday showing that the economy had already contracted in the third quarter.The Chamber of Commerce estimates that retailers have suffered losses exceeding 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) during the three weeks of unrest. Other estimates put the damage at twice that amount when uninsured losses and lost revenue are included.Along Paris' main shopping boulevards, Christmas lights were already glowing beside boarded-up shop windows and security grilles. Stores belonging to luxury brands such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Burberry were among those targeted during earlier weekends of unrest.- EndsWith inputs from Reuters