France Sees New Nationwide Protests and Clashes as Officials Fear Halloween Night Violence

UPDATE - follow-up to Live Updates: Hundreds of Thousands Join Another Round of Protests in France: Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday, though nationwide turnout dropped to an estimated 320,000 people compared with 410,000 the previous week.

Turnout and Clashes

The interior ministry and police reported protests in multiple cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, and Rennes. In Paris, the police estimated that 70,000 people marched, down from 110,000 the week before. As official rallies wound down, unauthorized marches splintered off, leading to police firing tear gas at people who refused to disperse.

Halloween Concerns

Authorities expressed heightened concern over the coincidence of Saturday falling on Halloween, noting social media calls for people to revolt while wearing masks and costumes. French officials warned that concealing one's face during a public order disturbance is a criminal offense.

Context

This follows an earlier wave of student and public worker demonstrations that began last month over school conditions and government policies. Security forces have been deployed in large numbers to prevent property damage and arson during evening hours.