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France will deploy 70,000 police officers and security personnel across the country on Saturday (October 31) ahead of planned protests, amid fears of violence and disorder coinciding with Halloween celebrations.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the extensive security measures, according to Anadolu Agency.
Speaking on Thursday, Nuñez said security arrangements would be strengthened nationwide, similar to those implemented on October 24. Additional restrictions will also be imposed on demonstrations in city centres.
French broadcaster TF1 reported that officials fear the situation could become unusually tense on Saturday. Nuñez described the day as “exceptional” and warned of a high risk of public disorder, particularly in the evening.
He said gatherings had been called at various locations around 8pm (1am Bangladesh time on Sunday), some of which he described as highly violent. In some cases, calls for revolution or rebellion had also been made.
“The gatherings will not be authorised. Anyone who defies the ban and assembles will be dispersed, and those involved will be arrested,” Nuñez said.
Following widespread disorder during protests on October 17, local authorities, known as prefects, will also partially ban demonstrations in city centres.
Security checks will be intensified at entry points to various cities, while additional personnel will be deployed in key areas.
Nuñez adopted a tough stance, saying, “No disorder will be tolerated.” He added that security forces had been instructed to deal with the situation with the utmost firmness.
However, he stressed that demonstrations authorised by local authorities would receive security protection, reaffirming the government’s commitment to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.
Saturday’s protests will mark the third consecutive weekend of demonstrations across France, following similar actions on October 17 and 24. Fears of potential violence and threats to public safety are mounting ahead of the rallies.
