French Halloween Protests Remain Mostly Peaceful

French authorities warned that Halloween masks could be used to conceal the identities of troublemakers as nationwide protests continued. The demonstrations, which occurred on Halloween, were driven by concerns over living costs and public services.

The protests followed riots and looting on October 17, which caught security forces off guard and caused damage to shops, public buildings, and businesses. Authorities have vowed to prevent a repeat of the violence.

France's top administrative court upheld a ban on a march between the Paris squares of Nation and Bastille, rejecting a challenge from unions. Instead, a route along eastern boulevards was approved, away from central shopping districts.

The marches brought together students, trade unions, and a smaller group of Yellow Vest protesters, united by complaints over rising living costs, high fuel prices, and inflation. Protesters criticized President Emmanuel Macron's government for economic mismanagement.

Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon marched at the head of the Paris demonstration, as his ratings have risen in recent weeks ahead of the April presidential election. Demonstrations remained largely peaceful through the afternoon, though police used tear gas in Lyon and Toulouse.

Tensions also flared in Marseille at the end of the march. The unrest comes at a sensitive time for the government, with Fitch revising the outlook on French debt to negative, highlighting concerns over the country's financial situation.