France will deploy 70,000 police officers and gendarmes on Saturday as authorities prepare for nationwide Halloween protests. Officials have warned of a very high risk of public disorder amid growing tensions and fears of violence.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the security measures on Thursday. The deployment will include armoured vehicles and water cannon, which authorities introduced during last week’s demonstrations.

Nuñez described the decision to send out 70,000 security personnel as an exceptional measure. He also raised concerns about social media posts calling for a Halloween “revolution” on Saturday evening.

According to the minister, radical left-wing groups and activists linked to the Yellow Vest movement have encouraged people to gather. Student unions and the Yellow Vest movement have also called for demonstrations across the country.

The Yellow Vest movement has named the planned protests its “third act”. Organisers have urged supporters to gather outside the National Assembly and at town halls throughout France.

The latest demonstrations come as France faces growing public frustration over rising living costs and inequality. Previous protests have led to looting, clashes and damage to property.

Authorities estimated that 410,000 people joined demonstrations last Saturday. Trade unions reported a turnout nearly twice as high. The interior ministry also recorded more than 2,700 arrests during protests a week earlier.

Meanwhile, the French government announced new measures on Monday to address concerns raised by student protesters. The proposals include replacing the university admissions system and providing loans for school renovation projects.

France also faces political uncertainty ahead of its presidential election, scheduled for six months from now. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen currently leads opinion polls, adding to the country’s tense political climate.

Authorities will maintain heightened security throughout Saturday as they monitor planned gatherings and prepare for possible clashes.

The large police deployment highlights the government’s concerns about further unrest as protests continue to spread across France.