According to Reuters agency, Nuñez said the demonstrations scheduled for October 31st could be accompanied again by incidents, despite the extensive security operation that helped limit violence during Saturday’s protests.

Authorities engaged about 70 thousand police and gendarmerie members nationwide, while the minister announced that 1,435 people were arrested during the demonstrations.

Protests have been prompted by increased cost of living and discontent with public services. The movement, which initially focused on students’ requests for improving conditions in education, has been expanded, including trade unions and activists from the movement of the Yellow Jewels.

According to Interior Ministry data, about 410 thousand people participated in Saturday’s protests, while trade unions estimated the number of participants was around 800 thousand.

Although most marches took place without major incidents, clashes were recorded in Paris, Marseilles, and Lyons, as well as in several other cities.

The government’s spokeswoman, Maud Bregeoon, said protesters’ demands should be heard, but stressed that restoring calm is a condition for developing dialogue.

Meanwhile, the government is expected to announce measures to address students’ concerns regarding education and university accession.

Source Layer: RTKLive