The French Ministry of the Interior announced the deployment of about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to secure the planned social movements on Saturday, October 31, amid fears of riots, looting, and vandalism.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that the authorities have put in place an exceptional security plan, which includes enhancing security measures and protecting shops and commercial centers, following the detection of calls on social media inciting vandalism and looting coinciding with Halloween celebrations.
He added that the authorities will allow gatherings to be organized under specific security controls, with the possibility of banning movements that are feared to turn into riots or attacks on public and private property.
He explained that the plan includes the participation of specialized security units, including the Research and Intervention Units (BRI), the Police Intervention Forces (RAID), and the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN), as well as the use of drones, helicopters, and armored vehicles.
In this regard, Nunez revealed that 1,193 police officers and gendarmes have been injured since mid-September during the protests and social and student movements that the country has experienced.