Emmanuel Macron warns October 31 protests in France could turn ‘risky’

As of October 26, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that upcoming protests on Halloween could turn "risky," citing concerns over public order. The unrest began with student-led demonstrations against rising living costs and poor school conditions but has since broadened to include trade unions and the Yellow Vest movement. On October 17, an estimated 500,000 people took to the streets across France, leading to violent clashes in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other cities that left parts of these urban centers burning. In response, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced plans for a massive security operation on October 24, deploying 70,000 police officers to prevent further unrest. However, protests continued, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reporting that 1,435 people were arrested nationwide during the demonstrations.

The French government has faced criticism over its handling of the situation, particularly concerning injuries sustained by protesters, including a 17-year-old girl who lost an eye and another boy who lost his hand. Amnesty International researchers have also raised concerns about police tactics, noting that foam-round launchers used in riot control were never intended for crowd management. Despite increased security measures, authorities remain wary of potential violence during future demonstrations planned for October 31.