Key facts
- Parisians are purchasing pepper spray and tear gas for self-defense.
- Sales of self-defense items have increased during ongoing protests.
- Protests over high prices and declining public services have led to riots.
Parisians are increasingly buying pepper spray and tear gas canisters to defend themselves and their property amidst ongoing protests. The owner of a weapons shop in Paris noted a surge in sales of these self-defense items. France experienced significant social unrest last weekend, with nationwide protests over high prices and declining public services escalating into riots in several cities. Violent groups clashed with police, leading to property damage including a torched town hall and pillaged shops.