French shopkeepers arm themselves with guns and crowbars as riot fears grow

French shopkeepers are arming themselves with guns and crowbars to protect their businesses as fears of further riots grow across France, where over 100 people have been arrested amid nationwide protests. Around 70,000 police officers were deployed to prevent unrest, with tear gas used against demonstrators in Lyon and Nantes, while luxury shops and tourist attractions in Paris closed as a precaution. President Emmanuel Macron held last-minute talks with high school unions, but student leaders called for continued action after emerging dissatisfied. The demonstrations initially began over school conditions but have spread into broader protests over rising living costs and public service strains, prompting some shopkeepers to take defensive measures against potential looting.