France Warns of 'Complicated' Halloween Amid Ongoing Unrest

French authorities are preparing for further street unrest during Halloween celebrations next week, despite a significant security presence that helped contain nationwide demonstrations on Saturday. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated on Monday that the protests, which have troubled President Emmanuel Macron's government for weeks, show no immediate signs of abating.

Last Saturday, the interior ministry deployed 70,000 police officers to manage demonstrations called by unions protesting the high cost of living and cuts to public services. The scale of the police operation aimed to prevent a repeat of the significant violence that occurred nine days prior, which led to fears that the state was losing control of the streets.

"Clearly, yes," Nunez responded when asked by BFM TV if he expected further disturbances on October 31. "Halloween evening is traditionally always a bit lively. We expect it to be complicated again."

During Saturday's demonstrations, 1,435 people were arrested across the country. Nunez also highlighted a new concern: organized far-right groups confronting far-left activists in several cities. He noted that these groups, some of which had called to "defend businesses," arrived in organized formations in cities like Nice and Montpellier, primarily targeting the ultra-left movement.

The government sought to portray Saturday's operation as a success, demonstrating its control despite sporadic incidents, particularly in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. "The state prevailed this weekend. The state was strong," government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon told RTL radio. She acknowledged that protesters had raised legitimate concerns but emphasized that restoring calm was essential for any meaningful dialogue.

"There are demands that must be heard and answered. To answer them, there is a prerequisite: a return to calm. We cannot have a functioning social dialogue in a climate of violence such as the one we experienced a week ago," Bregeon stated.

The movement has expanded beyond initial student grievances, incorporating trade unions and "yellow vest" activists, who are known for their protests against economic pressures, including high fuel costs. The government was expected to announce measures addressing student concerns regarding education and university admissions on Monday, following a national consultation.

With his presidential term nearing its end and public finances strained, Macron has limited options for offering costly concessions that could quell unrest. He made an unannounced visit to Marseille, a city that experienced significant disturbances on Saturday.

Business leaders reported that the ongoing unrest continued to inflict considerable economic damage. Alain Di Crescenzo, head of the CCI France network of chambers of commerce and industry, noted that many retailers remained closed as a precaution after earlier violence, leading to an estimated 80% drop in sales. "We have shopkeepers who are tired and demoralised, and we are killing local commerce," he told Radio Classique.