The Paris Police Prefecture has prohibited the march routes originally requested by the CGT trade union and the Yellow Vests for the October 31 mobilization against the cost of living. Citing public order imperatives due to the proximity of police stations, banks, and commercial areas, authorities have redirected these groups to a single convergence point on the city's outskirts. The authorized demonstration will take place between Porte de Bagnolet and Porte de Charenton from 12:00 to 18:00, with the procession departing at 14:00 along the Boulevards des Maréchaux.
In a move to prevent potential disorder, the Prefecture has also established a protection perimeter around Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon. Within this zone, all protest gatherings are banned, as is the carrying of fireworks, dangerous animals, or protective equipment designed to counteract police measures such as tear gas. Additionally, a curfew has been decreed for Place de la République and the Châtelet-Les Halles metro area, effective from Saturday night through Sunday night.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin reiterated strict instructions to prosecutors on Friday, warning of a significant risk of violent acts, particularly in the evening. The Ministry of Justice emphasized that individuals identified committing violence against law enforcement, looting, or arson will face immediate prosecution. Darmanin called for swift penalties, including bans from social media and deprivation of civil rights, noting that minors involved in serious offenses would also be pursued with rigor.
Security concerns are heightened by the convergence of the protests with Halloween celebrations. In Bordeaux, Prefect Marc Zarrouati anticipated a "horror evening" orchestrated by looters, leading to the deployment of RAID units and significant police forces. While the inter-union march in Bordeaux was authorized following security guarantees, officials warned that masked individuals attempting to hide their faces or use FFP2 masks to protect against tear gas are violating the law.
Similar measures have been implemented in Marseille, where a curfew for minors has been enforced in several sectors of the city center and near shopping centers from Friday night until Monday morning. Meanwhile, port strikes involving dockers in France and Europe have disrupted operations, with unions demanding wage increases and opposing the militarization of infrastructure.
Political reactions to the unfolding situation remain divided. Senator Yannick Jadot expressed concern that the right to demonstrate is being undermined, while François Ruffin criticized President Emmanuel Macron's strategy as one of "rotting" social movements through police responses rather than political solutions. Former Prime Minister Michel Barnier urged a clear distinction between peaceful protesters and those who loot or vandalize, calling for solidarity with merchants.
In the legislative sphere, Agnès Firmin Le Bodo resigned from her role as co-rapporteur of the inquiry commission regarding October 17 violence. She cited an imbalance in the distribution of posts that failed to respect the democratic composition of the National Assembly, following a boycott by the National Rally party.
Sources: Le Figaro.