On Saturday, October 31, 2026, France deployed approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, bracing for another wave of mass demonstrations—the third consecutive weekend of protests across the country. Security forces mounted preventive checks at train stations, along main roads, and in city centers, aiming to prevent a recurrence of violence, looting, and property damage that had marked protests in mid-October.
The demonstrations coincided with Halloween, heightening concerns over potential unrest. The protest movement brought together students, trade unionists, and Yellow Vest activists. Their demands focused mainly on the rising cost of living, funding for public services, and deteriorating conditions in education.
Police checks at transport hubs and public transit
The French Ministry of the Interior announced the mobilization of around 70,000 security personnel across France—matching the force deployed the previous weekend. Police forces also had at their disposal specialized units, helicopters, drones, police dogs, and armored vehicles.
Preventive inspections began as early as Friday evening, with officers checking people and luggage on roads, around train stations, and in other busy public areas. The aim was to intercept items that could be used in violent clashes or property damage.
Paris was particularly affected by these security measures: dozens of metro stations were closed, and certain public transport lines operated with restrictions. Police also conducted checks at stations throughout the wider metropolitan area.
Authorities fear renewed looting and violence
The extensive mobilization of police was prompted mainly by events on October 17, when protests in several French cities turned violent, resulting in looting and damage to public buildings and businesses.
According to French authorities, numerous businesses were damaged during previous demonstrations, with some shop owners still unable to return to normal operations. Ahead of this weekend’s marches, many business owners again boarded up storefronts and reinforced their entrances.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez pledged a tough response against anyone attempting violence or looting. At the same time, he stressed that security forces had a duty to protect peaceful protesters, business owners, and city residents.
Protests continue for third straight weekend
France entered a third consecutive weekend of demonstrations. What began as student-led protests evolved into a broader movement involving trade unions, Yellow Vest activists, and other social groups.
Dissatisfaction was focused on the rising cost of living, soaring energy prices, inequality, and worsening conditions in public education. Some demonstrators also criticized the government and police response, arguing that it infringed on the right to peaceful assembly.
In Paris, organizers initially sought approval for a march through the city center. Authorities insisted on a route away from the busiest districts, and after a legal dispute, finally allowed a demonstration route between Porte de Bagnolet and Porte de Charenton.
Similar protest moods spread to other European countries as well. Aktualizovane.sk previously reported on youth mobilization in Germany, where large-scale demonstrations were expected over living costs and proposals for compulsory military service. German police warned of possible violence in nine cities.
Most gatherings stayed peaceful, but police intervened in some cities
Despite heightened security, tensions flared in several cities. In Lyon and Toulouse, police deployed tear gas, while Marseille also saw clashes and rising tensions between demonstrators and security forces.
According to preliminary data from the French Ministry of the Interior, by 2:00 p.m., 27 individuals had been detained. Authorities estimated that roughly 15,000 people were participating nationwide, though this was only an interim tally, not the final figure for the day.
The police also drew attention to calls circulating on social networks urging violent gatherings on Halloween night. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned that unauthorized actions and any incitement to looting or attacks would be dealt with decisively by authorities.
Business owners fear further losses
Recent violence has had a significant impact on businesses across France. According to figures cited by representatives of the French retail sector, around 2,500 establishments were affected during previous unrest. Approximately 600 of those have not yet returned to normal operations.
Ahead of new protests, many shopkeepers once again boarded up windows and shortened operating hours. Concerns centered not just on the demonstrations themselves but also on possible looting or property damage during nighttime Halloween festivities.
This left French authorities facing a double security challenge: protecting the right to peaceful protest while preventing gatherings from descending into violent riots.
Earlier reports from Aktualizovane.sk detailed how previous protests escalated in France, and the consequences for affected cities, including the introduction of nightly curfews in the wake of unrest.
Macron faces mounting political pressure
The protests are unfolding during a sensitive pre-election period, with France set to hold presidential elections in 2027. Social discontent, economic strains, and security issues are now at the heart of the political debate.
President Emmanuel Macron recently criticized rising tensions in the country, saying that widespread unrest ahead of elections “is not normal.” The government has pressed for a tougher stance against violent groups, but it also faces questions about whether security measures are encroaching on the rights of peaceful protesters.
Macron also pointed to the role of social media in mobilizing participants and spreading calls for violent action. He has warned that such developments could threaten democracy itself.
The ongoing protests thus represent a major test for the French government, which must address public dissatisfaction, maintain public order, and at the same time uphold the space for peaceful expression of political and social concerns.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
