70,000 police deployed in France ahead of protests, with strict limits in Paris

PARIS: France is deploying 70,000 police and gendarmes ahead of nationwide protests on Saturday against inflation, poor public services and the government of President Emmanuel Macron. The protests fall on Halloween. Before this, two weeks of unrest have damaged shops, business centres and government buildings in several cities.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned that the risk of violence is very high, especially at night. He announced strict action against those who spread unrest. He said that under the existing law, covering the face can be banned if public order is at risk, as there is a fear that Halloween masks may be used to hide identity. The US embassy has also advised its citizens to stay away from protests and areas with large gatherings.

Extra restrictions have been imposed in Paris to avoid incidents like those of 17 October, when rioters looted hundreds of shops. Protests by unions and the Yellow Vests have been limited to the outer roads from Porte de Bagnolet to Porte de Charenton, so that they stay away from the city centre and major commercial areas. On Saturday and Sunday, entry to Place de la République and Les Halles will be closed from 11pm to 6am. A 9pm curfew applies around the Champs-Élysées for minors without a guardian. However, a Paris court had earlier suspended a curfew on minors, ruling that it violated freedom of movement. Unions and student organisations have challenged the restrictions in court.

The protest was started in late September by high school students against poor school facilities and the admissions system. It later grew into a wider movement against inflation and public services. According to authorities, about 550,000 people took part on 17 October, and about 410,000 the following week. The protests were largely peaceful, but police made more than 1,300 arrests.

Inspired by the protests in France, youth rallies are also planned on Saturday in more than 30 German cities. Berlin police expect about 10,000 people near the Brandenburg Gate.