Isolated clashes in France after protest marches, as police brace for Halloween night violence

Scattered clashes broke out in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille on Saturday at the end of nationwide protests over living costs and public services. Turnout was 320,000, down from previous weekends. Interior Minister Nunez warned of possible Halloween night violence.

Scattered clashes broke out in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille on Saturday evening at the end of nationwide demonstrations driven by anger over living costs and strained public services. The protests, largely peaceful through the afternoon, continued for a third weekend after riots and looting on October 17. Riot police charged to disperse small groups of rioters in Paris and fired tear gas in Lyon and Toulouse. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said security forces held their ground and that authorities were bracing for possible Halloween night violence, citing calls for insurrection. Turnout was 320,000 protesters nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris, down from 410,000 the previous week and 550,000 on October 17. The protests have inspired youth-led demonstrations across Europe. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon marched at the head of the Paris demonstration. The unrest comes as ratings agency Fitch revised the outlook on French debt to negative, and data showed the economy shrinking in the third quarter. The Chamber of Commerce estimates retail losses from the unrest have exceeded €1 billion.