Police in Paris deployed tear gas during violent clashes as anti-government protests erupted on Halloween night. Despite authorities reporting that over 300,000 people nationwide participated in largely peaceful demonstrations, they acknowledged significant violence. This marks the third consecutive weekend of protests in France, with concerns rising about potential unrest after dark.
In addition to the protests in France, incidents of violence were reported in Germany, particularly in Frankfurt, where protesters threw Molotov cocktails at police. In response, around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were stationed across France, rerouting marches away from central areas.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of a “very high risk” of coordinated disorder, stressing that Halloween festivities would not be an excuse for violence or mask-wearing.
Saturday’s mobilisations followed two weekends of serious unrest involving rioting, looting, and mass arrests. Thousands gathered at Porte de Bagnolet in eastern Paris, with high school students leading the march. University student Corentin Cabreux highlighted the dire conditions of student housing as a motivation for attending the protest.
Mr Cabreux expressed hopes for a peaceful demonstration to counter government narratives framing the movement as mere cover for rioting. Criticism over police crowd-control methods has surged due to repeated use of tear gas and other forceful measures.
The protests stem from students walking out over worsening conditions in schools and concerns about a university admissions process perceived as unfair. The movement has since evolved into a broader challenge to President Emmanuel Macron’s government, drawing support from trade unions and leftist groups against economic reforms.
To prevent further unrest, President Macron has restricted access to central retail areas during protests, implementing a curfew for unaccompanied minors around the Champs-Élysées.
The discontent in France mirrors rising youth frustrations across Europe. Protests have also erupted in Albania, Italy, and Germany, where young people are demanding better living conditions and education funding while opposing military conscription.
In Spain, police in Barcelona heightened emergency alerts in response to calls for new protests, following a previous weekend that ended with approximately 130 arrests.
With tensions high, authorities across the continent are preparing for potential disturbances as youth activism continues to grow.
