French authorities have deployed 70,000 police officers across the country as a new wave of anti-government protests gets underway, marking a third week of demonstrations over rising living costs and dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron’s government.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez threatened protesters with an “extremely firm response” to any disorder as authorities prepared for demonstrations coinciding with Halloween.

“Everyone is on deck to ensure an extremely firm response to any trouble,” Nunez said at a news conference earlier in the week.

The interior ministry has acknowledged at least 150 planned gatherings across France. One planned march in Paris between the iconic Place de la République and Place de la Bastille was banned by the country’s top administrative court and rerouted to boulevards on the eastern outskirts of the city, away from major shopping districts.

The US Embassy in France has advised American travelers to avoid areas where large gatherings are taking place amid concerns over violence, looting and the use of tear gas.

The demonstrations have involved looting and property damage, with France’s Chamber of Commerce estimating retail losses at more than $1 billion.

Luxury retailers, including Hermès and Louis Vuitton, have been among the targets, while protective wooden boards have appeared on buildings along some of Paris’s best-known shopping avenues.

In response to the unrest, the government is also preparing legislation that would make people responsible for property damage during riots liable for compensation of up to €10,000 ($11,000).

The protests began with high school students expressing anger over poor learning conditions and staff shortages.

Germany, France brace for cost of living protests on Halloween

People are set to take to the streets of Germany and France to protest against high living costs on Halloween, amid growing public anger across Europe.

Students are demanding more teachers, smaller classes, better school infrastructure and increased investment in education. The movement has since expanded to encompass broader grievances, including rising living costs, economic insecurity and the government’s handling of public services.

Government pledges to reform education and reduce fuel costs have so far failed to satisfy demonstrators.

The unrest is part of a wider wave of youth-led protests across Europe, where young people are voicing frustration over unaffordable housing, uncertain employment prospects, underfunded education and diminishing opportunities.

Protesters in several countries have also drawn inspiration from demonstrations elsewhere, sharing slogans and experiences across borders, although the movements differ in their immediate causes and demands.