Hundreds of thousands protest across France and Germany on Halloween

Summarised from 15 outlets · 35 reports · Updated 1 Nov, 12:20 · Archive

Around 320,000 people marched across France in a third consecutive weekend of demonstrations against rising living costs and poor public services, with similar protests spreading to Germany.

France experienced its third consecutive weekend of nationwide protests on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets demanding action on rising living costs and the state of public services. France's interior ministry said 320,000 people participated across the country, whilst student unions and protest organisers put the figure at nearly half a million, including 200,000 in Paris alone. Police said around 70,000 people marched in the capital.

The demonstrations were largely youth-led and predominantly peaceful through the afternoon, with marches in Paris proceeding along designated routes on the city's southern outskirts rather than through central areas. Protesters wore various costumes for Halloween, holding placards reading 'No need for tear gas to make our future look bleak' and 'Disguised as an angry citizen for Halloween'. However, as the main Paris march reached its endpoint at Porte de Charenton in the early evening, tensions escalated.

Groups of masked protesters dressed in black used hammers to pry up paving stones and threw them at police. At least one incendiary device, described as a Molotov cocktail, was thrown at security forces. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds. In Paris, police said a 'hardcore of several hundred rioters' attacked officers with projectiles. Similar clashes occurred in Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and other cities, with police deploying tear gas and water cannons. According to France's interior ministry, at least 290 people were arrested nationwide on Saturday, significantly fewer than the 1,300 arrests made a week earlier.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had warned before the demonstrations of a 'very high risk' of disorder, particularly after dark. Authorities had deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide and imposed various restrictions on marches, including banning face-covering masks to prevent Halloween disguises being used to conceal identities. More than 40 metro stations in Paris were closed, and marches were rerouted away from major shopping centres. Police had also established curfews in parts of the capital, barring entry to certain areas between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The protests in France came amid broader unrest across Europe. In Germany, youth-led demonstrations took place in around 30 cities, organised by a group called 'Gen Z regelt' meaning 'Gen Z has got this'. Protesters in Germany demanded better funding for education and health, action on climate change and opposed potential military conscription. In Berlin, around 10,000 people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, with larger crowds reported across major cities including Frankfurt, Munich and Cologne. Police in Cologne cancelled a planned march after some participants wore masks and threw smoke bombs, though demonstrators were allowed to continue in a designated area. At least 56 people were arrested in Berlin alone, with 27 police officers injured. German authorities reported that the demonstrations were largely peaceful, though some shops boarded up windows as a precaution.

The protests follow two weekends of significant unrest in France beginning 17 October, when an estimated 550,000 people marched and rioting erupted with widespread looting and vandalism reported. The latest weekend saw reduced violence compared with those earlier demonstrations, though tensions remained high as evening approached. Authorities in France indicated they were bracing for possible further unrest overnight and into the following week, with some groups planning school and university blockades and strikes.

How it is being reported

• Protester in Batman costume arrested during violent Halloween clashes in GermanySaturday saw another wave of protests in cities across Germany and France, as young demonstrators clashed with riot policeIndependent World · 1 Nov, 11:00
• Hundreds of thousands protest in France for "Act III"A heavy police presence was hard to miss on the streets of Paris on Saturday, as the capital saw demonstrations for a third consecutive weekend over the rising cost of living and deteriorating conditions in schools. But the increased security failed to prevent clashes in several parts of the city. Riot police fired tear gas to push back protesters, while small fires broke out in several areas. Similar scenes unfolded across the country, including in Bordeaux, Toulouse and Marseille. Still, the demonstrations were largely less violent than the chaos witnessed on October 17. Caroline Baum has…France 24 · 1 Nov, 09:35
• Why French police are worried despite less violence, fewer arrests at protestsDespite smaller crowds authorities are bracing for escalation, with several groups planning blockades and additional strikesThe i Paper · 1 Nov, 06:00
• France protests enter third week as police fire tear gasPolice used tear gas to disperse protesters as demonstrations entered a third week ahead in France.Al Jazeera · 1 Nov, 04:31
• Police clash with Paris protesters as demonstrations grip EuropeThere was another wave of violence in Paris Saturday as anti-government protesters clashed with police. Demonstrations were also held across Europe.CBS News · 1 Nov, 00:53
• Wave of unrest breaks out across Europe: Protesters firebomb police and loot stores as violence grips France, Germany and Albania on HalloweenBerlin became the latest European capital to witness clashes as more than 3,500 demonstrators descended on the streets.Daily Mail · 1 Nov, 00:42
• Clashes break out as hundreds of thousands protest in FranceMore than 500 people were arrested as police fired water cannons and tear gas to disperse rioters on the sidelines of the demonstrations.The Japan Times · 31 Oct, 23:18
• Some 320,000 demonstrators take part in largely peaceful protests across FranceAround 320,000 protesters took part in a third mass protest over living costs across France on Saturday, the interior ministry estimated, while organizers counted nearly half a million. Tensions flared at the end of marches in some cities but authorities reported that most demonstrations were largely peaceful.France 24 · 31 Oct, 21:34
• Clashes erupt between police and protesters in ParisOver 320,000 people protested around France in a third weekend of demonstrations against the rising cost of living and poor public services.BBC World · 31 Oct, 19:37
• France seethes again as youth-led protests sweep EuropeFrench Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of a "very high risk" of disorder, especially after dark on Halloween, as some 320,000 people nationwide took to the streets.NPR · 31 Oct, 19:30
• More than 290 arrested in France as some weekend protests turn violentProtests continue across France as 320,000 people take to the streets over rising living costs and poor school conditions for a third consecutive weekend, with clashes reported in several cities.DW News · 31 Oct, 18:49
• Tension and clashes as hundreds of thousands protest again in FranceAuthorities say 320,000 march on third consecutive weekend of demonstrations over cost of living and state of schools.Al Jazeera · 31 Oct, 18:28
• Police clash with masked rioters after largely peaceful protests across FranceDemonstrations also taking place in Germany, where officers fire teargas to disperse crowds as evening falls Clashes have erupted in Paris, Marseille and other cities after tens of thousands of demonstrators, some in Halloween fancy dress, marched across France in a third wave of protests over the cost of living and deteriorating public services. About 320,000 people – down from an estimated 410,000 last weekend – took part in rallies around the country, the interior ministry said, including 70,000 in Paris who marched along boulevards on the south-eastern outskirts, avoiding the city…The Guardian · 31 Oct, 18:23
• Hundreds of thousands of protesters march across France for third week in a rowCities across Europe faced wave of protests against rising cost of living.Politico Europe · 31 Oct, 17:33
• Violent Paris protests draw 70K people as Molotov cocktails hurled at cops, US and Israeli flags burnedViolent clashes erupted across France Saturday evening, with rioters throwing what appeared to be Molotov cocktails at Paris police which injured several officers – while in Lyon US and Israeli flags were set on fire.New York Post · 31 Oct, 17:05
• French police clash with some protesters again as demonstrations continuePolice said about 70,000 people demonstrated in Paris alone. France's interior ministry said about 320,000 people rallied nationwide.CBS News · 31 Oct, 16:57
• French youth protests spread to Germany on HalloweenYoung people in France are again taking to the streets, but this time they are joined by their peers in Germany. Thousands marched Saturday.UPI · 31 Oct, 16:56
• Paris police fire tear gas as more than 300,000 march across France in latest anti-government protestsAround 70,000 police are expected to deployed nationwide as France braces for further unrest. Demonstrations have also been held in Germany and AlbaniaIndependent World · 31 Oct, 16:31
• France deploys 70,000 police officers to prepare for new wave of protests on HalloweenEmmanuel Macron's government deploys 70,000 police officers as France braces for a third week of intense protests amid over $1 billion in losses.Fox News · 31 Oct, 14:27
• France braced for fresh unrest as 70,000 police deployed across 150 planned demonstrations – Europe liveFrench interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, warned earlier this week of a ‘very high risk of public disorder’ France is bracing for a third weekend of protests, with police deploying 70,000 officers in an effort to prevent a repeat of the riots and looting that have swept the country in recent weeks. Nationwide protests over the rising cost of living and the deteriorating education system have drawn hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets. Some demonstrations have descended into violence, with widespread looting and vandalism reported on 17 October. Continue reading...Guardian World · 31 Oct, 11:27
• France's Nunez warns of high risk during protestsFrance is bracing for a third consecutive weekend of protests, with around 70,000 security personnel deployed to prevent a repeat of the violence seen on October 17. Shops have boarded up their premises as authorities warn of further clashes, with Halloween celebrations adding to security concerns over masked demonstrators. The protests, involving Yellow Vest activists, trade unions and students, initially focused on the rising cost of living, inequality and poor school conditions, but have since expanded to include demands for greater civil liberties and the right to protest. The…France 24 · 31 Oct, 11:15
• Third weekend of protests in FranceFrance is preparing for a third weekend of protests, with 70,000 security personnel deployed to prevent a repeat of the violence seen on October 17. Shops have boarded up their premises as authorities warn of further clashes, with Halloween adding to concerns over masked demonstrators. The protests, initially driven by anger over the cost of living and poor school conditions, have broadened to include demands for greater civil liberties and the right to protest. With presidential elections six months away, authorities have tightened security and restricted demonstrations in several cities.France 24 · 31 Oct, 11:13
• Halloween masks are banned in France as 70,000 police take to the streets facing 'high risk' of rioting, looting and arson on fresh day of protestOn Saturday, French interior minister Laurent Nunez said more rioting, looting and arson was inevitable on a 'high risk' day when 70,000 police and gendarmes would be on the street.Daily Mail · 31 Oct, 10:57
• French Interior Minister fears disorder after dark on HalloweenSaturday is set to see another day of nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living and conditions in schools. Dubbed “Act Three”, the protests bring together Yellow Vest activists and student demonstrators. But France’s highest administrative court has just upheld a ban on the planned route of the Paris march, forcing protesters to remain on the eastern outskirts of the capital. Authorities are deploying 70,000 security personnel and imposing curfews in some areas, repeating many of the measures seen last weekend. The interior minister has also issued a Halloween-themed warning…France 24 · 31 Oct, 09:28
• France: Two rallies against racism near ParisFrance is bracing for a third weekend of protests, with demonstrations against the rising cost of living planned across the country. Nearly half a million people are expected to take to the streets, prompting the government to deploy 70,000 police officers to maintain order. In Paris, a last-minute court ruling has restricted today’s march to the eastern outskirts of the capital. Jack Pownall reports.France 24 · 31 Oct, 09:27
• France braces for Halloween protests, shops board up storefrontsFrance on Saturday braced for a third weekend of protests coinciding with Halloween, as shops boarded up and authorities scrambled to prevent a repeat of the street violence that swept the country two weeks ago.France 24 · 31 Oct, 07:40
• France heads into third weekend of protests as youth-led rallies erupt across EuropeInterior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of a “very high risk” of disorder, especially after dark on Halloween.New York Post · 31 Oct, 07:29
• Live: France braces for Halloween protests, government vows tough responseFrance on Saturday braced for a third weekend of protests coinciding with Halloween, with authorities alert to the possibility that rioters could use festive masks to conceal their identities. Around 70,000 security personnel have been deployed to prevent a repeat of street violence that erupted two weeks ago. Follow our live blog for all the latest updates.France 24 · 31 Oct, 05:53
• Halloween Protests & French Promises, US Mid Term Mood, What now for Israel?France braces for another weekend of unrest as the Yellow Vests return to the streets under the rallying cry of ‘Act III – Halloween’, with 70,000 police and security forces deployed after the riots and looting of recent weeks. A cash-strapped government faces mounting grievances, a rolling protest movement and little room for manoeuvre ahead of elections, as it struggles to restore order while grappling with crippling debt.France 24 · 31 Oct, 00:30
• Germany and France brace for protests on Halloween weekendA wave of youth-led protests has swept Europe, with demonstrators denouncing rising prices and a lack of prospects.Al Jazeera · 31 Oct, 00:17
• Cost of living protests to spread to Germany and reignite in France on HalloweenActivists call for people to make their anger known over poor public services including education and housing Europe live – latest updates Street protests sweeping Europe are expected to spread to Germany and reignite in France on Saturday, with police mobilised to stop potential looting and rioting on the fringes of what organisers hope will be peaceful rallies. Weeks of, at times violent, student demonstrations have rocked Italy, Spain, Portugal, Albania and France, where activists on Halloween have again called for people to make their anger over the cost of living and deficient public…The Guardian · 30 Oct, 14:42
• France braces for new wave of protests, govt warns of 'very high' violence riskFrance's interior minister on Thursday warned of a "very high risk of public disorder" and announced the deployment of around 70,000 police officers for a new wave of protests this weekend. France has been rocked by widespread anger over the rising cost of living and inequality, with nationwide demonstrations on October 17 degenerating into some of the country's worst rioting in years. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Rochelle Ferguson Bouyahi tells us more.France 24 · 30 Oct, 14:35
• Third weekend of protests looms as tensions persist across FranceFor the third Saturday in a row, people across France are set to take to the streets to protest against the high cost of living and demand better funding for education. Police are preparing for all eventualities ahead of another weekend of protests, following earlier demonstrations that ended in rioting and looting in city centres.France 24 · 30 Oct, 14:10
• French minister warns of 'very high' violence risk as country braces for Halloween protestsFrance will deploy some 70,000 police officers in Paris and other cities ahead of a new round of nationwide protests on Saturday, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warning of a "very high risk of public disorder". The minister pledged an "extremely firm" response after mass protests on October 17 degenerated into rioting and looting.France 24 · 30 Oct, 06:57
• France braces for ‘very high risk’ of disorder at Halloween protestsAuthorities vow firm action against violence as yellow vest and student movements announce widespread demonstrations.Al Jazeera · 29 Oct, 23:52

In this story: France · Germany · Laurent Nuñez · Emmanuel Macron · Paris · Berlin · Gen Z regelt · Lyon

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