Nationwide demonstrations in France see clashes, Halloween themes

Approximately 70,000 people marched in Paris alone, according to police estimates. The French interior ministry reported a total of around 320,000 protesters nationwide.

As of 2:00 p.m., police had made 27 arrests, a slight increase from the 217 arrests made the previous week.

Scattered incidents of unrest occurred in several cities. In Marseille, demonstrators clashed with police. Lyon saw projectiles thrown at officers, prompting a response with tear gas. Toulouse witnessed police utilizing water cannons to disperse an unauthorized gathering of several thousand people, many of whom were young demonstrators in costumes.

In Paris, the march included participants dressed in various costumes, including popular characters like Spider-Man and Frankenstein. Placards carried messages such as “No need for tear gas to make our future look bleak” and “Dressed up as an angry citizen for Halloween.”

Hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined the Paris march, criticizing President Emmanuel Macron’s government for what he described as an “increasingly authoritarian turn.” He stated, “We say no to the cost of living, no to the far right, yes to high school students’ demands, yes to giving citizens a voice.”

Camille Guerin, 31, participating in the Nantes demonstration, shared, “I dance because on television they only show damage and destruction, whereas you can perfectly well demonstrate in good spirits.” Aurelie Herrmann, 47, echoed this sentiment in Lille, dancing to counter the negative portrayal of protests.

An aide to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had warned of potential street violence comparable to the unrest two weeks prior, when looting and arson occurred. Nunez also revealed authorities had identified social media calls for Halloween gatherings intended to incite a “revolution.”

Many shopkeepers preemptively secured their businesses with plywood panels. “Everyone is staying home. No one is going to come and buy anything,” said Wael Boubaker, a cafe employee in Paris.

Alain Di Crescenzo, president of France’s chamber of commerce, expressed concern among business owners. “Shopkeepers can’t wait for Saturday to be over,” he told France Inter.

The protests are occurring during a period of heightened political tension, with presidential elections less than six months away and far-right leader Marine Le Pen currently leading in the polls. Initially focused on economic hardship, the movement has broadened to include demands for greater civil liberties and protections for the right to protest. Student protesters recently criticized the denial of a march permit in Paris and have threatened further blockades of schools and universities. Similar demonstrations have also taken place across Europe, including in Germany.