France deploys 70,000 police as protests reach a third weekend
France has deployed about 70,000 police officers as protests over living costs reach a third weekend, Euronews and The Connexion report. About 15,000 people had joined by midday, the interior ministry says. The minister warned that hiding faces behind Halloween masks could bring a fine.
About 70,000 police officers are deployed across France on Saturday as protests enter a third straight weekend, Euronews and The Connexion report. Trade unions, students and yellow vest protesters are marching against the cost of living and conditions in schools, Euronews reports. A source close to the interior ministry warned of a "very high risk of public disorder," according to Euronews.
By midday, about 15,000 people had joined 65 gatherings, the interior ministry said, The Connexion reports. At the same point last Saturday, 37,000 people had joined 108 actions, the outlet says. The ministry called the situation "generally calm," The Guardian reports. Police had made 27 arrests by early afternoon, The Guardian reports, citing AFP. In Lyon, unions put their march at 17,000 people, The Connexion reports, citing Le Parisien.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned that covering faces with costumes for malicious intent could bring a fine of 150 euros. "Using Halloween as an excuse will not be a legitimate reason to cover one's face in public spaces," he said, The Guardian reports. Paris police set a curfew for Saturday and Sunday night in districts hit by unrest on October 17, Euronews reports. Unaccompanied minors face a separate evening curfew near the Champs-Élysées, The Guardian reports.
The Paris march must stay on the eastern edge of the city, from Porte de Bagnolet to Porte de Charenton. The Council of State overturned a ruling that had allowed a march from Bastille to Nation, Euronews reports. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed, said he would join the march, the outlet reports.
Youth-led protests also spread to Germany. Police counted 2,700 marchers in Berlin, 1,800 in Munich and about 1,000 in Frankfurt, The Guardian reports. Police in Cologne called off a march after some protesters wore masks and threw smoke bombs, the outlet says.
What we know: About 70,000 officers are on duty and turnout by midday was lower than last week.
What we don't: How large the crowds will grow by evening, and whether the curfews will hold.
Where outlets agree Euronews and The Connexion report that about 70,000 police officers are deployed for a third weekend of protests.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.