France is strengthening security measures amid concerns about potential street violence on Halloween. In anticipation of nationwide protests, shops and businesses in Paris and other cities in France have boarded up their windows.
Increased Security Measures
The French government has announced that the use of face masks will be prohibited during these protests. These protests occur as political tensions in the country have risen, with presidential elections set to take place in six months, where Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right, is leading in the polls.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, stated this week that it is "unusual" for the country to be in a state of "turmoil" on the eve of presidential elections. About 70,000 security forces will be deployed on Saturday to prevent a repeat of the unrest on October 17, which saw thousands of businesses damaged.
Security and Social Concerns
A senior official from the Ministry of the Interior has predicted that street violence is expected to be on a scale "comparable" to the unrest two weeks ago. Images of clashes, looted shops, and public buildings set ablaze were broadcast globally. This official also referenced existing concerns about potential destruction and attempts at looting.
Alain Di Crescenzo, the head of the French Chamber of Commerce, stated that businesses are worried about the situation, saying, "Vendors cannot wait for Saturday to end."
The Ministry of the Interior has recently warned of a "very high risk of public disorder" and announced that protests will not be allowed in city centers. However, a court has decided to lift the ban on marching in certain designated routes.
This protest movement includes yellow vest activists, labor unions, and students, initially focusing on issues of living costs and inequality, but after security crackdowns, they have expanded their demands to include the protection of civil liberties and the right to protest.
Last week, France also faced a shooting near Paris that left one dead and seven injured. Most of the victims were from foreign backgrounds, and the attack led to gatherings against racism.
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