France protests latest: Shopkeepers stock up on weapons as Paris braces for another weekend of chaos

France protests latest: Shopkeepers stock up on weapons as Paris braces for another weekend of chaos French president Emmanuel Macron is expected to meet with high school unions on Friday - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Shopkeepers in Paris have stocked up on self-defence weapons amid fears that planned demonstrations this weekend could turn violent, according to a report. Gun shops in the French capital told The Times that they had seen a rise in demand for “pepper-gel” self-defence weapons from shopkeepers desperate to protect their stores from looting. French president Emmanuel Macron is expected to meet with high school unions on Friday in an 11th hour attempt to quell unrest anticipated over the weekend. The outgoing head of state is to meet with high school students and their associations at the presidential palace at 3pm to discuss the concerns and demands underlying the recent tumult. Protests erupted last month in response to the perceived state of decline in schools, with students aggrieved by teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and crumbling infrastructure. They have since ballooned into sweeping nationwide rallies, which last weekend descended into rioting, vandalism, arson and looting. Mr Macron vowed on Thursday to ban all demonstrations not organised by unions, while Paris was to extend its nighttime curfew until Monday, but major events were still planned for the weekend. The latest: Macron cracks down on 'illegitimate' protests ahead of weekend French president Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that "illegitimate" protests would be banned in the coming days and blamed "seditious" ultra-left groups and vandals for last weekend's riots and looting. Speaking after a meeting with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers, the beleaguered head of state said demonstrations organised by groups such as trade unions would be allowed to go ahead but could be diverted along alternative routes to protect businesses. "Last Saturday we had political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic," he said. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said he wanted voting rights suspended for people who defy bans on taking part in demonstrations, and restrictions on social media access for people involved in violence, looting or attacks on police. Good morning Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the France protests, which are scheduled to begin on Saturday. Shopkeepers in Paris have stocked up on self-defence weapons amid fears that planned demonstrations this weekend could turn violent, according to a report. Gun shops in the French capital told The Times that they had seen a rise in demand for “pepper-gel” self-defence weapons from shopkeepers desperate to protect their stores from looting. French president Emmanuel Macron is expected to meet with high school unions on Friday in an 11th hour attempt to quell unrest anticipated over the weekend. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments