French official warns of high violence risk

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez issued a warning to prefects about a "very high risk of urban violence" on October 31, stating that his team had identified numerous online calls for people to gather in city centers and public squares under the pretext of Halloween.

Social media linked to planned gatherings

Nuñez said the analysis of social media activity showed clear evidence that the organizers of these gatherings intended to commit acts of violence. He emphasized that the risk of urban violence was particularly high from evening until late at night, with a focus on public squares starting at 8 p.m.

Large police force mobilized

To address the risk, Nuñez announced the mobilization of 70,000 law enforcement officers, including police and gendarmes, across the country. This number matches the level of deployment on October 24, when similar demonstrations took place.

Protests linked to cost-of-living concerns

The demonstrations are part of a broader social movement involving the yellow vests movement, student groups, and university unions. These groups are primarily protesting against the rising cost of living in France.

Halloween linked to increased risk

Nuñez noted that calls to gather under the Halloween pretext were increasing, warning of potential "wild processions" from these gatherings. He also pointed out that the high risk on October 31 was due to the overlap with Halloween celebrations, similar to the previous mobilization on October 24.