Politics · France · 2 hrs ago
France to deploy 70,000 officers for Halloween protest day
France will deploy 70,000 police officers and gendarmes on Saturday, October 31, as protests are planned across the country.
Yellow Vest activists and student groups have called demonstrations, amid wider protests over the rising cost of living and government policy.
The authorities say last week’s protests drew about 410,000 people, though unions put the number at roughly twice that figure.
Some recent demonstrations have involved looting and riots, and officials warn Halloween could add to the risk of disorder.
The government plans to ban demonstrations in city centres and has warned that wearing a mask is no excuse for causing trouble.
Police will also prepare for clashes involving far-right counter-protesters, who have been present at recent rallies.
Demonstrations are expected to go ahead in permitted areas, including alternative routes proposed by authorities.
France plans to deploy 70,000 police officers and gendarmes for protests scheduled on Saturday, October 31, which falls on Halloween.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that the day carries a very high risk of public disorder.
The yellow vest movement and student unions have called for demonstrations, amid protests over the rising cost of living and government policy.
Authorities say demonstrations will be allowed but plan to ban them in city centres where disorder is a risk.
Officials also anticipate possible counter-protests by far-right groups in several cities.
- Who
- The French government, yellow vest movement and student unions are involved. Far-right groups are also expected to take part in counter-protests.
- What
- Authorities are preparing for protests and possible urban violence, deploying 70,000 police officers and gendarmes.
- When
- Saturday, October 31, 2026, coinciding with Halloween.
- Where
- Across France, with demonstrations planned in multiple cities. Authorities plan to prohibit demonstrations in city centres where there is a risk of disorder.
- Why
- Protesters are voicing opposition to government policy and the rising cost of living. Authorities cite the risk of public disorder and violence.
French authorities
Yellow vest movement and student unions
Demonstrations
French authorities
Authorities say demonstrations may take place but plan to ban them in city centres where disorder is a risk.
Yellow vest movement and student unions
The groups have called for demonstrations on October 31, including a yellow vest “third act.
Security
French authorities
Authorities warn of a very high risk of disorder and promise a firm response to violence.
Yellow vest movement and student unions
Not stated.
Protests took place in France; the interior ministry later said more than 2,700 people were arrested a week earlier.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be mobilised for Saturday.
Yellow vest and student groups plan demonstrations across France, coinciding with Halloween.
- Security deployment
- 70,000 police officers and gendarmes
- Planned protest date
- October 31, 2026
- Protest organisers
- Yellow vest movement and student unions
- Last Saturday's turnout
- About 410,000, according to the interior ministry
- Planned restrictions
- Demonstrations to be banned in city centres where there is a risk of disorder
5 sources
France braces for 'very high risk' of disorder at Halloween protests
Frankrijk trommelt weer tienduizenden agenten op voor geplande protestdag
Halloween inquiète les forces de l'ordre en marge des manifestations du 31 octobre
Unruhen in Frankreich – Für Halloween: Innenminister Nunez mobilisiert 70'000 Polizisten
Manifestations du 31 octobre : « Acte III » des Gilets jaunes, lycéens, parcours… À quoi faut-il s’attendre ce samedi ?
What people are saying
The day of October 31 presents a very high risk of public disorder.
We will tolerate no excesses.
These gatherings will be banned.