French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned on Monday that demonstrations planned for October 31 could bring renewed violence. His warning followed nationwide protests on Saturday during which authorities arrested 1,435 people.
The demonstrations reflect anger over living costs and public services. A movement that began with student grievances has broadened to include trade unions and Yellow Vest activists. Authorities deployed 70,000 police officers on Saturday, although disturbances continued in Paris, Marseille and Lyon.
The unrest follows earlier protests over education funding and classroom conditions. Students have complained about overcrowding, teacher shortages and deteriorating school buildings, while teachers’ unions have also mobilised.
