France prepared for a third straight weekend of demonstrations on Saturday, coinciding with Halloween celebrations, as authorities increased security measures to prevent a repeat of the violent unrest witnessed two weeks earlier. Several businesses began boarding up their storefronts amid concerns over possible vandalism and clashes, while security agencies remained on high alert. The protests are unfolding against a tense political backdrop, with France's presidential election less than six months away. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is leading opinion polls, according to AFP. President Emmanuel Macron has voiced concern over the growing unrest, describing the situation as "not normal" so close to a national election. The demonstrations initially brought together Yellow Vest activists, trade unions, school students and university groups. Their early demands centred on the deteriorating education system. However, the protests gradually expanded to include wider concerns over social inequality and the rising cost of living.

French Student Unions Plan School and University Blockades

Two student unions in France have urged students to block access to high schools and universities on Tuesday and Thursday as part of their campaign for education reforms and better learning conditions. Students are demanding government action to address problems in the education system and improve the quality of education across the country. Sabrine Kharbach, spokesperson for the Union Etudiante, told reporters during a protest march in Paris on Saturday that students were preparing to intensify their demonstrations over the coming days. "Starting this Tuesday, we will blockade our universities and high schools, and we will do so again on Thursday before joining the demonstration on November 5 called by workers and trade unions," she said. The student groups also plan to participate in the November 5 demonstration organised by workers and trade unions, indicating that the protest movement could gain wider support.

France Deploys 70,000 Security Personnel Ahead of Halloween

French authorities deployed approximately 70,000 security personnel across the country on Saturday to prevent a repeat of the unrest that broke out on October 17. In Paris, the police prefecture authorised a protest march on the outskirts of the capital. Officials directed the demonstration through a working-class residential area featuring several social housing complexes. Ahead of the march, several shopkeepers along Boulevard Davout in eastern Paris began securing their premises with wooden boards and other protective measures. The boulevard was designated as the starting point for the demonstration. However, some business owners chose to keep their shops open to express solidarity with the protesters. Hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon also announced his participation in the authorised march. He accused Macron's government of becoming “increasingly authoritarian”. In a post on X, Melenchon said protesters would demonstrate their "firm, calm and disciplined determination" while defending the fundamental rights of a free population.

French Interior Minister Warns of Possible Disorder After Social Media Calls for ‘Revolution’

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that France faced a "very high risk of public disorder" amid the planned demonstrations, AFP reported. He said authorities would allow authorised protests but would prevent demonstrations from taking place in city centres to maintain public order and minimise the risk of violence. Nunez also revealed that security agencies had identified several social media posts encouraging people to gather on Halloween night. Some messages reportedly called on participants to start a "revolution", while others urged people to wear costumes and assemble for what was described as a "night of darkness". The interior minister further warned that demonstrators would not be allowed to wear masks or other coverings designed to conceal their identities. Meanwhile, authorities have imposed a night-time curfew in two central Paris neighbourhoods, Republique and Chatelet-Les Halles. The restrictions will remain in effect from 11 pm to 6 am (local time) on Saturday and Sunday. The heightened security arrangements reflect growing concerns among French authorities about the possibility of fresh clashes and disturbances as the protest movement continues to gain momentum.