Europe hit by protests: France deploys 70,000 security personnel while German youth march across 34 cities

France deployed around 70,000 police and gendarmes on Saturday as nationwide demonstrations against high living costs, inequality and deteriorating public services coincided with Halloween. Authorities warned that face coverings could complicate efforts to identify people involved in fresh violence. Meanwhile, in Germany, a youth movement called protests across 34 cities over education funding, prices and proposed military conscription.

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France steps up security amid Halloween protests

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described October 31 as a day of "very high risk" for public order. "Everyone is on deck to ensure an extremely firm response to any trouble," he said earlier this week. The deployment matches last Saturday's security operation and follows serious clashes, looting and damage to shops during demonstrations on October 17.

The authorities have permitted demonstrations in several cities but restricted routes in areas considered vulnerable to unrest. In Paris, the country's highest administrative court upheld restrictions on a march through the city centre, leaving an authorised route through eastern neighbourhoods. The ministry said calls for evening gatherings that encouraged violence would be prohibited.

Halloween has added a separate concern. Officials fear that masks and costumes could make it harder to identify those responsible for attacks or vandalism. The ministry clarified that people celebrating Halloween may wear costumes, but the occasion does not excuse concealing the face to commit offences. Ahead of the marches, some businesses covered their windows with wooden boards.

Alain Di Crescenzo, head of France's chamber of commerce, described the anxiety among traders. "Shopkeepers can't wait for Saturday to be over," he told France Inter.

Cost of living and education drive French protests

The protests began with complaints from students about overcrowded classrooms, school buildings and access to higher education. Trade unions and members of the Yellow Vest movement subsequently joined demonstrations over wages, household expenses and the condition of public services. Organisers have also called for a nationwide strike on November 5.

The dispute comes as President Emmanuel Macron's government faces difficult budget decisions. France has been discussing its 2027 spending plans while seeking to control borrowing. Government projections put public debt at about 119 per cent of economic output this year and above 120 per cent in 2027. The pressure on public finances has limited the scope for additional spending.

France's Interior Ministry said about 410,000 people took part in the previous Saturday's marches. It has now deployed specialist police units, helicopters and drones alongside local officers, with increased security around commercial areas.

German Gen Z protests target education cuts and rising prices

In Germany, the campaign "Gen Z regelt", meaning "Gen Z's Got It", called demonstrations in 34 cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg and Munich. German broadcaster ZDF reported that organisers expected more than 170,000 participants nationwide, although that figure represented an estimate ahead of the rallies rather than a confirmed turnout.

Participants are demanding better-funded schools, improved facilities and action on living costs. The campaign has denounced "broken schools and austerity" and also opposes military conscription, spending cuts and inadequate climate measures. German reports said students and young workers wanted a greater say in decisions affecting education and their economic prospects.

German organisers reject violence as police monitor demonstrations

Germany's organisers have explicitly rejected damage to property and attacks on people. The initiative says it is "against all violence". German police have described their approach as "vigilant and relaxed", saying they intend to protect lawful assemblies while monitoring the possibility of extremist groups joining the crowds.

Andreas Rosskopf, a senior official of the German police union GdP, warned that radicals could join the rallies to "attack police" or "simply be destructive". He said federal and state police would respond firmly to any disorder. The warning concerned possible infiltration of protests rather than any call for violence from the organisers.

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