Cloudy and overshadowed Paris by the threat of new protests
Paris faced a tense Saturday with fears of disturbances due to planned protests, prompting businesses to board up windows. In areas like Place de la Bastille, shops and banks took precautions, with some owners even purchasing defensive weapons after recent looting incidents. The police advised merchants to prepare for potential violence, mobilizing around 70,000 security personnel to oversee the protests. Despite the unrest, many cafes remained open, with some owners expressing solidarity with demonstrators while emphasizing the need for order. The government has increased security measures in response to calls for insurrection on social media, altering protest routes to minimize disruption. The Interior Minister warned of potential violence from radical groups, pledging a firm police response.