French Shopkeepers Arm Themselves as Protests Escalate

Shopkeepers and civilians across France are arming themselves in anticipation of further protests and potential unrest scheduled for Saturday. The country has experienced its most violent disturbances in years, with protesters engaging in looting, vandalism, and clashes with police in Paris and other cities.

Gun shops in Paris have reported an eight to tenfold increase in demand. Yves Gollety, owner of Armurerie de la Bourse, told The Times that most customers are purchasing gel canisters or pistol-shaped weapons. These non-lethal devices, which can incapacitate an attacker within seconds by causing breathing difficulties and eye irritation, are available without a permit, unlike firearms which are subject to stricter regulations.

Businesses Prepare for Disruption

In response to the escalating situation, President Emmanuel Macron is working to restore order. Businesses, cultural institutions, and museums are preparing to close for the weekend. France's main student union, UNEF, has called for rallies, and the Yellow Vest movement has filed plans for a march in Paris.

Last weekend's protests, initially focused on the rising cost of living and poor school conditions, resulted in widespread vandalism and looting. In Paris, the scale of damage was described as "considerable" and "unprecedented" by Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire. Similar incidents occurred in Lyon and Marseille, where protesters briefly entered City Hall and damaged a police station. In Limoges, the City Hall was set ablaze after individuals broke in.

Authorities have banned all protests planned for Saturday in Marseille and Lyon. Despite these restrictions and approximately 2,700 arrests made since the previous Saturday, many establishments are opting to close. The Marseille Chamber of Commerce has urged businesses to shut, and organizers of Art Basel Paris announced the event would be closed for the entire weekend. The Louvre and Foundation Louis Vuitton will also remain closed on Saturday.

The Ministry of the Interior is expected to reveal its security plans. The protests highlight a recurring pattern in France, where demonstrations, often peaceful at their core, can be marred by violence on the fringes, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.