Thousands Turn Out for France Protests

On October 31, thousands of people marched through Paris and other French cities to protest against the government. Some protesters wore Halloween costumes, dressing as clowns, witches, Spider-Man, and Frankenstein. It was the third weekend in a row that large crowds had taken to the streets. Police and government officials kept a close watch to make sure things stayed peaceful after serious unrest two weeks earlier.

France's interior ministry said that about 15,000 people joined marches across the country that day. Officials described the situation as 'generally calm.' By 2 p.m., police had made 27 arrests — a big drop compared to the 217 arrests from the week before. Around 70,000 security officers were on duty to help keep order.

Smaller rallies also took place in cities like Marseille, Toulouse, and Lyon. In Marseille, hundreds gathered in a carnival-like mood, chanting anti-government slogans while wearing clown and pirate costumes. In the western city of Nantes, a woman named Camille Guerin captured the crowd's feelings: 'We say no to the cost of living, no to the far right, yes to high school students' demands, yes to giving citizens a voice.' People in Toulouse carried French flags and wore costumes as they marched through the streets.

The protest movement started because many people were upset about rising prices, inequality, and poor school conditions. After police used force and some protesters were seriously hurt, the movement grew to include demands for stronger civil rights. The protests have brought together many different groups, including Yellow Vest activists, trade unions, and students. Similar marches were also happening in other European countries, including Germany.

In Paris, a sign aimed at President Emmanuel Macron read: 'Manu, you killed my France.' Hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon joined the Paris march and accused the government of becoming too controlling. He promised protesters would show 'firm, calm and disciplined determination' to protect French citizens' rights. Presidential elections are less than six months away, and polls show far-right leader Marine Le Pen currently in the lead.

Student protesters were frustrated that police did not allow a march through the center of Paris. Spokeswoman Sabrine Kharbach announced that students would blockade high schools and universities the following week. She said protests were planned for Tuesday and Thursday before a bigger workers' rally on November 5. Students vowed to keep the pressure on until their demands were met.

Business owners were also feeling the strain from the ongoing unrest. Some shopkeepers boarded up their windows before the marches, afraid of damage to their stores. Wael Boubaker, a café worker in eastern Paris, said, 'Everyone is staying home. No one is going to come and buy anything.' With France's economy close to a recession and the government in debt, officials had very little money to offer protesters to help calm things down.