Halloween gatherings may trigger fresh violence: France to deploy 70k personnel
French authorities are deploying 70,000 police officers to manage potential urban violence during upcoming Halloween gatherings. The government fears that protests over the cost of living and inequality may escalate into riots.
Why it matters
The high-level security deployment underscores the ongoing social and political instability in France ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
French interior minister on Thursday warned of a "very high" risk of urban violence, as authorities prepare for the next wave of demonstrations that coincide with Halloween on Saturday.Interior minister Laurent Nuñez told reporters that around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across France, just like a week ago, Le Monde reported."The day of October 31 (Saturday) presents a very high risk of public disorder," Nuñez said, adding that security measures introduced last week to protect shops will be strengthened.The minister said demonstrations will be allowed, but "not in city centres, where there is a risk of public disorder".In a directive signed on Wednesday, Nunez instructed the Paris police chief and regional prefects to prepare a “robust” security deployment for the protests.“Multiple calls have been identified on social media for gatherings in city centres and public squares across the country, under the pretext of Halloween,” Nunez said in…
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