French Shopkeepers Stock Up on Self-Defence Weapons Ahead of Protests

Paris: Shopkeepers in Paris have increased purchases of pepper spray and other legal self-defence weapons ahead of further demonstrations expected this weekend, amid fears of renewed violence and looting. Gun shops in the French capital reported a sharp rise in demand, while some businesses have begun boarding up windows to protect their stores.
The protests began last month when high-school students demonstrated against teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated school buildings. They later expanded into nationwide rallies over the rising cost of living and declining public services, with last weekend’s demonstrations marred by riots, arson, vandalism, and looting in several cities.
French President Emmanuel Macron met high-school student representatives and unions at the presidential palace on Friday to discuss their demands and the causes of the unrest. He said demonstrations not organised by trade unions would be banned where possible, while authorised union marches could be rerouted to protect businesses and public buildings.
Authorities have banned all protests in Marseille and Lyon for Saturday and extended Paris’s nighttime curfew until Monday. Officials said the measures aim to protect public buildings, commercial areas, and residents as France prepares for another potentially unstable weekend.