Macron warns Oct. 31 protests could spark unrest in France
The government is also preparing for a nationwide labor union mobilization on Nov. 5 amid the unrest.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the planned demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 31, remains a "high-risk day" amid social unrest in France. During a visit to Marseille on Monday, Macron said the government is also preparing for a nationwide mobilization by all labor unions on Nov. 5. He said police will continue to protect city centers, property and the public so that violence does not recur every weekend. Macron also acknowledged that the police deployment for the Oct. 17 protest was inadequate because the government had not anticipated the early mobilization of far-left groups and the involvement of criminal elements. He urged the government to respond to the legitimate demands at the root of the social movement so the situation can gradually return to normal without a state of emergency.