French minister says October 31 protests could turn violent

French authorities are preparing for new street riots that could break out next weekend, despite a large-scale security operation that helped contain demonstrations across the country on Saturday, Interior Minister Laurent Nunes said on Monday, October 26.

The protests show no sign of abating after nine days of violence erupted in dozens of cities, leading to fears that the state has lost control of the situation on the streets.

"In response to the unrest, the Home Office has dispatched 70,000 police officers to participate in Saturday's demonstrations organised by unions to protest the high cost of living and poor quality of public services," it said.

The protests went far beyond the initial action of student discontent, attracting unions and "yellow vest" activists against economic pressures, including high fuel prices.

Nuñez said a large number of police prevented a repeat of the violence that occurred earlier this month, but when asked on Monday if he expected more riots during the October 31 demonstrations, he replied, “Obviously, yes.”.

The minister noted that 1,435 people had been arrested in Saturday’s demonstrations across the country, and added that police had also documented a new phenomenon: organized far-right groups were confronting far-left activists in several cities.