France deploys 70,000 police for Halloween protests

France is deploying about 70,000 police officers nationwide on Saturday as youth-led protests over the cost of living and conditions in schools head into a third straight weekend. The interior minister has warned of a very high risk of disorder, with the protests falling on Halloween night.

The movement began with student anger over run-down schools and has grown into wider complaints about prices, low wages and weakened public services. Two weeks ago, demonstrations in many French cities turned into rioting and looting, and last weekend brought further clashes with police.

Authorities have banned demonstrations in some city centers and prohibited face coverings at protests. In Paris, overnight curfews apply around Place de la République and the Châtelet-Les Halles area, dozens of metro stations are due to close, and many shops have boarded up their windows.

The unrest is spreading. In Germany, a movement calling itself "GenZ regelt!" ("Gen Z has got this!") says about 150,000 people have registered to march in around 30 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne. Organizers there are demanding more spending on schools, housing and climate protection. Police in both countries are adding extra officers. This is a developing story.