France on edge this Halloween: 70,000 police deployed as nationwide protests loom

France is deploying 70,000 police personnel nationwide on Saturday as authorities prepare for another round of protests over the rising cost of living, strained public services and president Emmanuel Macron's government. The demonstrations, coinciding with Halloween, come two weeks after riots and looting damaged shops, businesses and public buildings across several cities.According to Bloomberg, nationwide rallies, sit-ins and casserolades, protests involving the banging of pots and pans, are planned for Saturday under what organisers have described as "Act 3" of a movement that has expanded beyond schools and universities.Interior minister Laurent Nunez has warned of a firm response to any outbreak of violence, describing Saturday's demonstrations as carrying "a very high risk" of unrest."Everyone is on deck to ensure an extremely firm response to any trouble," Nunez told a news conference earlier this week, according to Reuters, outlining the security arrangements.Authorities are also concerned that protesters could use Halloween masks to conceal their identities. Nunez said existing laws allow police to prohibit face coverings when public order is at risk. The US Embassy has separately advised travellers to avoid areas where demonstrations or large gatherings are planned.The protests gained momentum in late September after Macron's minority government began discussions on the 2027 budget. With public debt approaching 120 per cent of economic output and borrowing costs rising, the government faces pressure to control spending.Students protesting against deteriorating school infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and an admissions system they consider unfair have joined trade unions and members of the resurgent Yellow Vest movement, which is demanding measures to address the cost of living.The government's promises to reform education and ease fuel costs have failed to contain the discontent.The demonstrations have also inspired youth-led protests elsewhere in Europe, with rallies planned in more than 30 German cities on Saturday.The unrest comes as France faces mounting economic and political pressures. Data released on Friday showed that the economy had already contracted in the third quarter. The Chamber of Commerce estimates that losses to retailers have exceeded €1 billion, with some estimates placing the overall economic impact at twice that figure when uninsured damage and lost revenue are included.The protests have also provided a political boost to far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who is leading opinion polls ahead of the April presidential election, while potential centrist successors to Macron remain divided.Meanwhile, the government is pursuing legislation that would make rioters liable for damages of up to €10,000 ($11,199.50), including damage caused by groups they are deemed to belong to. Rights groups and some lawyers have raised concerns that the measure could undermine the right to peaceful protest.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.