France braces for more protests, minister warns of violence

Key facts

• Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned of potential violence on Halloween evening.
• 70,000 police were deployed for Saturday's demonstrations.
• 1,435 people were arrested nationwide on Saturday.
• Organized far-right gangs confronted far-left activists in several cities.
• Retail sales have fallen by about 80% due to the unrest, according to business leaders.

French authorities are preparing for further street unrest, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warning that Halloween evening could be complicated. A massive security operation on Saturday helped contain nationwide demonstrations, but Nunez anticipates further disturbances. The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks, have seen significant police deployment and arrests. A new phenomenon of organized far-right gangs confronting far-left activists was also noted. The government aims to portray a return to control, emphasizing that calm is necessary for dialogue.