Halloween protest planned in France

France is preparing for a Halloween evening of protest as the Yellow Vest movement has called for a new day of mobilization on Saturday, October 31, with the general strike on November 5 as the main goal. This comes amid ongoing tensions between protesters and the government over economic and social policies.

New forms of protest introduced

The mobilization includes two new forms of action: casserolades and "sit-ins." Casserolades involve people gathering to bang pots and pans to make noise, while "sit-ins" involve occupying a space by sitting down. These methods are meant to draw attention to their cause without resorting to large-scale demonstrations.

Events planned in Alsace

The mobilization map already lists several events in Alsace, with "sit-ins" scheduled for 2 p.m. in front of the town halls of Sélestat, Colmar, Thann, Altkirch, Mulhouse, Haguenau, Molsheim, and Saverne. In Strasbourg, meeting points are given at 1 p.m. on the Place de la République and at 3 p.m. on Place Kléber.

Trade unions hold back

Trade union organizations, however, prefer to save their strength for November 5. For now, no demonstration has been declared at the prefecture, with the CGT and FSU telling Rue89 Strasbourg that they will not declare a demonstration on October 31. They are focusing their efforts on the general strike planned for the following week.

Students remain active

Students and young people are present despite the government's announcements in response to the student movement, with young people from Strasbourg also expected to be present. A student from the International Pontonniers High School, a member of the Lascar collective, stated that the government is trying to defuse the situation with "ridiculous measures," but that they remain motivated.

Protesters aim for a decisive weekend

Benjamin Ball, editor of the website 17 October Yellow Vest, said the last weekend of October will be decisive for the future of the mobilization. He wants to "take it up a notch and gather a massive force necessary to mobilize alongside the unions on November 5." Starting Friday evening, he hopes to organize a "prelude," with casserole concerts in front of the National Assembly in Paris and throughout France in front of town halls.