"They looted the good brands and now we could be next": small businesses in Marseille fear a second wave of looting

In Marseille, businesses are closing due to fears of violence during protests, with many owners preparing for potential damage. The city has seen significant unrest, leading to a ban on demonstrations and curfews. Local merchants express anxiety over the situation, with some opting to secure their storefronts while others remain hopeful. The protests, driven by rising living costs and public service degradation, have resulted in vandalism and clashes with police. The French government is considering measures to support affected businesses, including interest-free loans and tax deferrals. Despite efforts to restore order, remnants of the protests linger in the city.