Nunez: "Extremely strong" security operation planned for October 31
The French interior minister warned of a potentially ‘complex’ Saturday as Yellow Vests call protests for October 31 and unions plan strikes on November 5.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that the government expects another “complex” Saturday on October 31 and is preparing a “extremely strong” security operation to respond to demonstrations called by the Yellow Vests movement.
Authorities prepare heightened security for Halloween mobilization
Nunez said he feared fresh unrest following the protests of October 17 and October 24, noting that October 31 falls on Halloween — "which is traditionally always less turbulent." He stressed that authorities are bracing for a high level of public mobilization.
“We expect the situation to again be complex and that it will be another day of large mobilization. Of course, we will deploy extremely strong security forces,” Nunez said.
The Yellow Vests called for demonstrations on October 31 framed as a protest "in defense of public liberties." In addition, major unions have announced strikes and demonstrations for November 5 in both the public and private sectors.
Government officials are therefore planning a reinforced policing presence to try to prevent a repeat of the incidents seen in mid-October, and authorities have signalled that public-order resources will be concentrated in likely flashpoints.
Photo: press material from the event
