He urges citizens to defend civil liberties as authorities impose sweeping security restrictions.
On Saturday, Jean-Luc Melenchon, La France Insoumise (LFI) leader Jean-Luc Melenchon called for peaceful demonstrations and announced that he would take part in the Paris trade union march against the rising cost of living and the deterioration of public services.
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“We want to uphold the right to demonstrate peacefully at a time when Macronism is drifting toward authoritarianism and the far right wants to place the country under the threat of attacks, as in Trappes,” he said, referring to restrictions on demonstrations not organized by trade unions and the racist attack carried out eight days ago in that suburb of Paris.
Melenchon therefore urged demonstrators to show “firm, calm and disciplined” determination in defending civil liberties. The appeal comes after several political figures attributed political responsibility to Melenchon and his movement for the climate of tension surrounding the protests and the acts of violence recorded in recent weeks, particularly on Oct. 17.
His announcement that he would join the Paris march also came just hours after the route was finalized by the Council of State, France’s highest administrative court. The institution rejected the route requested by the trade unions through central Paris, citing security concerns.
🔴 À Pau, une foule immense manifeste ce samedi 31 octobre
Partout en France, des manifestations de masse ont déjà commencé pour exiger qu’Emmanuel Macron réponde aux revendications du mouvement : blocage des prix, abrogation de Parcoursup, hausse des salaires, inscription au… pic.twitter.com/CHTvrbvb2q
— L’insoumission (@L_insoumission) October 31, 2026
The text reads, “In Pau, a massive crowd is demonstrating this Saturday, October 31. Across France, large-scale protests have already begun, demanding that Emmanuel Macron address the movement’s core demands: a price freeze, the repeal of the Parcoursup university admissions system, wage increases, and the inclusion in the national budget of the 10 billion euros required to meet the demands of high school and university students.
High school students, university students, employees, and civil servants—all sectors of society are mobilizing around these demands, while also denouncing the decay, repression, and chaos brought about by Macron and his administration. In Paris, the demonstration will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Porte de Bagnolet.”
On the third consecutive Saturday of protests, the march proposed by citizens was supposed to start at Place de la Bastille and end at Place de la Nation.
However, because of restrictions imposed by the authorities, the march will take place between Porte de Charenton and Porte de Bagnolet, far from the city center and the capital’s commercial districts.
In Paris and other cities, authorities have expanded restrictions amid fears that radicalized groups could exploit the demonstrations and Halloween to organize riots and looting.
In the capital, about 40 metro stations have been closed, and a curfew has been imposed in the areas around Place de la Republique and Châtelet-Les Halles from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. over the weekend.
🔴🇫🇷 ALERTE INFO | LA FRANCE SOUS TRÈS HAUTE TENSION CE 31 OCTOBRE
629 mobilisations sont recensées partout en France, dont 286 manifestations et 283 sittings.
⏰ Début des principales mobilisations à partir de 14 h.
70 000 policiers et gendarmes sont mobilisés face aux… pic.twitter.com/3tjJ8ktLkk
— Pulse Monde (@PulseMonde) October 31, 2026
The text reads, “France on High Alert this October 31. 629 mobilizations have been recorded across France, including 286 demonstrations and 283 sit-ins.
The main events are set to begin from 2:00 PM. 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been deployed in anticipation of potential unrest. Given the scale of the planned actions, the day could prove to be particularly turbulent. Sources: Map of mobilizations / Interior Ministry.”
Restrictions on minors unaccompanied by adults are also in effect in Lille, Douai, Denain, Wattignies, Valenciennes, Marly, Lyon and Avignon, among other cities.
In Grenoble, a general curfew has been imposed in several areas, while Bordeaux and Tours have introduced restrictions on movement and gatherings in certain areas.
In response to threats of unrest, the government has deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country, supported by armored vehicles, drones and helicopters. Authorities have also planned checks on roads, at stations and across railway networks to detect weapons and prevent acts of violence.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
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