France boards up ahead of Halloween protests

Paris and other French cities saw shops and businesses boarding up windows on Friday as the nation prepared for a third weekend of protests coinciding with Halloween celebrations. Around 70,000 security personnel will be on duty on Saturday, mirroring the deployment seen a week ago, as authorities aim to prevent a repeat of the Oct 17 unrest that saw thousands of businesses damaged or looted.

Alain Di Crescenzo, president of France's chamber of commerce, expressed concern over the rising cost of living and inequality among business owners. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that demonstrations would be permitted but not in city centers, where disorder risk is high. The Paris police prefecture authorized a march on the outskirts of Paris, while the UNEF student union claimed the authorities sought to silence the voices of young people.

Nunez also cautioned about social media calls for Halloween gatherings that could spark a revolution. Authorities have acknowledged past security failures, leading to stricter measures, including curfews in several cities. The protests reflect a tense political climate with upcoming presidential elections and the far-right leader Marine Le Pen leading in opinion polls.

Initially focused on rising costs and inequality, the protest movement now demands better protection for civil liberties and protest rights.