France deployed a 70,000-strong police presence for nationwide protests on Saturday, two weeks after riots and looting caught security forces off guard. The demonstrations are driven by anger over living costs, public services and President Emmanuel Macron's government.
France deployed a 70,000-strong police presence on Saturday to contain a widely expected bout of fresh unrest driven by anger over living costs, public services and Macron's government.
The demonstrations fall on Halloween, two weeks after riots and looting left damaged shops, public buildings and businesses in cities across France. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has vowed not to let a repeat happen.
Authorities restrict marches and prepare for masks
Nunez set out the security arrangements at a news conference earlier this week. According to Nunez at that news conference: "Everyone is on deck to ensure an extremely firm response to any trouble." He described the day as carrying a very high risk of unrest.
France's top administrative court confirmed a ban on a march between the Paris squares of Republique and Bastille, rejecting a challenge by unions. Demonstrations will instead have to be held on boulevards on the eastern fringe of the city, away from the main shopping areas in central Paris.
Authorities are also alert to the possibility that rioters could use Halloween masks to conceal their identities. Nunez noted that laws already allow police to ban face coverings when public order is at risk.
Budget talks and economic strain feed the anger
The protests gathered pace in late September as Macron's minority government launched 2027 budget talks. Facing public debt approaching 120% of economic output and rising borrowing costs, the government is under pressure to rein in spending.
The unrest comes as the economy was already shrinking in the third quarter, according to data on Friday. The Chamber of Commerce estimates retailer losses exceed €1 billion ($1.1 billion), and other estimates put the total at double that when including uninsured damage and lost revenue.
Meanwhile, the government is pushing ahead with a controversial law that would make rioters liable to pay up to €10,000 for damage caused by themselves or by groups they are deemed to be part of. Rights groups and some lawyers say the measure risks undermining the right to peaceful protest.
Source: Investing.com
Trading involves risk.
Risk Disclaimer
