In France, small and medium-sized business owners intend to independently protect their enterprises from rioters against the backdrop of mass protests and a shortage of law enforcement officers.
elchi reports that “TASS” has disseminated this information.
According to Franck Schommes, head of the Hotel and Restaurant Industry Workers’ Union, entrepreneurs have started arming themselves with baseball bats and other weapons.
Alain Di Crescenzo, president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that police forces are insufficient to prevent looting. 150 security personnel have been sent to Lyon to protect businesses. Additional measures are also being taken in Marseille and other cities.
However, Di Crescenzo warned about the danger of vigilantism and noted that some shop owners are in a desperate situation and need psychological support.
Last weekend, mass protests were held in France against rising fuel prices and declining purchasing power of the population. In several cities, the protests turned into riots and clashes with the police.
According to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, nearly 3,000 stores were looted by looters on October 17, and more than 2,500 participants in the riots were detained. Lawbreakers who use violence against rioters may face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to 150,000 euros.
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