France and Germany mobilise massive security forces ahead of Halloween weekend protests

French and German authorities activated large-scale security operations on Friday ahead of weekend protests expected to coincide with Halloween.

In Germany, approximately 150,000 people registered to demonstrate across around 30 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne. Police planned to deploy thousands of additional officers. Some luxury jewellery shops and clothing stores boarded up their windows against possible looting or violence. The protests are organised by a group called "GenZ regelt!" — roughly, "Gen Z has got this" — whose stated grievances include the high cost of living, poorly maintained schools, government spending cuts and a perceived lack of political representation for younger generations.

In France, authorities prepared for a third consecutive weekend of unrest. French police deployed 70,000 officers nationwide. More than 40 Paris metro stations were closed. Authorities also announced that face-covering masks would not be permitted at demonstrations. France's interior minister described the risk of disorder as "very high".

Shops and businesses in Paris and other French cities boarded up windows on Friday. Alain Di Crescenzo, president of France's Chamber of Commerce, told broadcaster France Inter that shopkeepers could not wait for Saturday to be over, adding that Halloween was not helping matters because of the number of people who would be wearing masks.

Two weeks ago, widespread unrest broke out across France as demonstrations against the cost of living and school conditions turned into large-scale looting and rioting. Further demonstrations and clashes with police followed last weekend.