- Shopkeepers in Paris have stocked up on self-defence weapons amid fears of violent demonstrations, with gun shops reporting a rise in demand for “pepper-gel” weapons.
- On Thursday, Macron vowed to ban all demonstrations not organised by unions, while Paris was to extend its nighttime curfew until Monday.
- All protests planned for Saturday in Marseille and Lyon, France's second- and third-largest cities, have been banned, while fresh demonstrations are planned, including by UNEF and the Yellow Vest movement.
- Businesses in central Paris have begun boarding up shop windows, luxury goods group Hermes stepped up security measures, and authorities in Orleans braced for potential unrest as the far-right National Rally was due to hold an annual meeting.
- The French president is expected to meet with high school unions on Friday in an 11th hour effort, with students aggrieved by teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and crumbling infrastructure.
- French business activity unexpectedly contracted in October, with the S&P Global French flash services PMI falling to 48.4 points from 51.2 in September, reflecting the sharpest decline in demand since May.
France is bracing for another weekend of unrest as shopkeepers stock up on pepper-gel weapons amid fears of violence during planned demonstrations. President Emmanuel Macron announced a ban on "illegitimate" protests, allowing only union-organized events, which may be rerouted to protect businesses.
Macron stated, "Last Saturday we had political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic," blaming recent riots on these groups. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin proposed suspending voting rights for those defying protest bans and restricting social media access for violent offenders.3
Despite the bans, protests are still anticipated in major cities. The French student union UNEF has called for rallies, while the Yellow Vest movement plans a march in Paris. Local authorities have banned protests in Marseille and Lyon, but tensions remain high as businesses prepare for potential violence.24
In response to the unrest, businesses in central Paris are boarding up windows, with luxury brands like Hermes increasing security measures. The political climate is further complicated by a recent contraction in French business activity, reflecting heightened uncertainty and economic pressures ahead of the upcoming presidential election.6
As the situation unfolds, Macron is set to meet with high school unions to address grievances over education issues, which have fueled protests and unrest across the nation.
“Macron's ban on non-union demonstrations follows Thursday's vow, but UNEF and Yellow Vest have already filed plans for Saturday rallies, including a march through central Paris. Meanwhile, French business activity contracted in October, with the services PMI falling to 48.4 from 51.2, reflecting the sharpest demand decline since May.”
The Independent
