Isolated clashes in France after peaceful marches as police brace for Halloween night violence
SPY•Scuffles broke out in several French cities after mostly peaceful protests over living costs and public services, with authorities warning of possible Halloween-night violence. The Interior Ministry said 320,000 people marched nationwide, down from 410,000 the previous week and 550,000 on October 17.
1. Clashes after marches
Riot police dispersed small groups in Paris and fired tear gas in Lyon and Toulouse after nationwide demonstrations on Saturday. Authorities reported tensions in Marseille and warned of possible further unrest overnight, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said security forces had faced “a great deal of violence.”
2. Turnout falls
The protests drew 320,000 people nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry. Turnout was below the 410,000 recorded the previous Saturday and 550,000 on October 17. Students, trade unions and Yellow Vest protesters have rallied over the cost of living, fuel prices, inflation and strained public services.
3. Economic pressure
The unrest comes as the government faces pressure to curb spending. France’s public debt is nearing 120% of economic output, borrowing costs are rising, and Fitch revised the outlook on French debt to negative. The Chamber of Commerce estimated that retailer losses during the three weeks of unrest exceeded €1 billion; other estimates put losses at twice that amount when uninsured damage and lost revenue are included.
