France braces for unrest as central marches are banned

The Guardian reported that French interior minister Laurent Nuñez warned earlier this week of a ‘very high risk of public disorder’. In Paris, authorities have blocked two planned marches by unions and gilets jaunes from entering the city centre, allowing only a single demonstration in the far south‑east. An appeal by the organisers against the exclusion was rejected late on Friday night, officials said.

The interior ministry said 410,000 people took part in a march last Saturday. A strong police presence, according to the ministry, largely prevented a repeat of the widespread violence and looting that hit French cities during the first wave of mass protest on 17 October. Police continue to monitor the situation as hundreds of demonstrations are expected across the country in the coming days.

Why it matters

The large turnout and heavy police presence highlight the tension in France and the government's effort to avoid a repeat of the October unrest.

Key details

Location

France · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

31 Oct 2026, 17:21 IST

Key names

Germany, Europe, French, Laurent Nuñez

Section

World

Figure cited

The interior ministry has said 410,000 people marched last Saturday, when a strong police presence mostly prevented a repeat of the widespread violence and looting that swept French cities… (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianFrance and Germany braced for unrest with hundreds of demonstrations planned – Europe live 31 Oct, 17:21

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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