French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that upcoming protests scheduled for October 31 could become “risky,” as authorities prepare for another potential day of unrest following recent demonstrations across the country.

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Speaking during a visit to Marseille on Monday, October 26, 2026, Macron said the coming Saturday was expected to be another challenging day for public order. He also indicated that protest routes would remain outside city centres to reduce disruption and protect public safety.

Macron acknowledged that authorities had “not anticipated at all” the scale of demonstrations held a week earlier, highlighting the difficulties officials faced in preparing for the unrest.

Marseille, France’s second-largest city, has been a focal point of recent tensions. On October 17, protesters briefly stormed the city hall, raising concerns about security and the potential for further disturbances.

During Monday’s visit, Macron met business owners whose premises had been damaged during the recent unrest. The meeting brought attention to the impact demonstrations can have on local businesses and communities.

The warning comes as French authorities prepare for the next round of protests, with officials seeking to balance public demonstrations with the need to maintain order. Keeping protest routes away from city centres is intended to limit disruption, although the precise arrangements for October 31 were not fully detailed in the report.

The coming weekend will test the authorities’ ability to manage demonstrations after the scale of the previous protests caught them off guard. Businesses and residents affected by earlier incidents will also be watching developments closely.

Further details about security measures and the expected size of the demonstrations may emerge closer to Saturday.