France Heads Into Third Weekend Of Protests

October 31, 2026 3:45 am

PARIS (AP) — France is bracing for a third weekend of protests over living costs and education, deploying 70,000 police and gendarmes. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warns of a “very high risk” of disorder, especially after dark on Halloween. Paris police have banned union and yellow vest marches through the city center, pushing them to the outer boulevards. Unions and student groups are challenging the ban in court. The movement began with high school students protesting school conditions and has broadened into anger over living costs. Protests are also spreading across Europe, with demonstrations planned in Germany, Spain, and other countries.