Authorities in France and Germany have issued warnings regarding the use of Halloween costumes at ongoing demonstrations. The protests, which focus on the cost of living and public services, have drawn crowds in major cities, though participation numbers have declined compared to recent weeks.
France Interior Minister Issues Mask Warning
Laurent Nuñez, France’s interior minister, stated that protesters covering their faces with Halloween costumes could face fines. The warning came as demonstrations began in Paris, Lille, and Lyon. The interior ministry reported a nationwide turnout of 320,000 people. This figure is lower than the 410,000 participants recorded the previous Saturday and significantly below the 550,000 who took to the streets on October 17 during widespread riots.
Two French student unions organized a blockade of schools and universities for Tuesday and Thursday. In Paris, police officers gathered at Place de la Bastille after authorities banned the original march route. Organizers redirected the start of the demonstration to Porte de Bagnolet on the eastern edge of the capital. Protesters waited calmly, chanting and singing through megaphones.
Some attendees wore distinctive costumes, including a zombie version of Michael Jackson, a pirate, and Spider-Man. Corentin Cabreux, a 21-year-old student, highlighted the poor conditions in state-run student residences. He described damp stains, peeling paint, cockroaches, and rats in his housing. Cabreux hoped the festive atmosphere would counter the image of violence associated with recent protests.
The ministry described the situation as generally calm. However, police fired tear gas in Lyon and Toulouse. Tension also broke out at the end of a march in Marseille, according to Reuters.
German Demonstrations Face Extremist Concerns
German authorities reported that demonstrations in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Dresden were largely peaceful. Police recorded 2,700 protesters in Berlin, 1,800 in Munich, and about 1,000 in Frankfurt. Cologne police did not provide specific numbers but noted participation was significantly lower than the 15,000 registered by organizers.
Officials warned that extremist groups might attempt to exploit the movement. In Hamburg, some barricades were set on fire. Police in Cologne canceled a march organized by the group Gen Z regelt due to protesters wearing masks and throwing smoke bombs. The event continued as a stationary rally instead.
Lina Friedrich, a spokesperson for Gen Z regelt, spoke in Berlin on Saturday. She emphasized that the group fights for peace and freedom rather than war. Friedrich stated that the movement demands better support for health and education systems. She also expressed opposition to compulsory military service and called for a fairer distribution of societal burdens.
Protests have also begun in Albania. Images from the demonstrations in France, Germany, and Albania show crowds gathering despite the warnings. The events coincide with Halloween festivities, leading to the presence of costumes and masks in several cities.
Source: The Guardian
