World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Paris shops weigh security costs before October 24 protest
Paris shops are preparing for a new day of protest on October 24 over the cost of living and young people’s demands.
The preparations follow looting and damage to shops during unrest on October 17.
Police have advised businesses, especially those near protest routes, to improve security, including by hiring private guards where needed.
The Paris Chamber of Commerce says the state, not shopkeepers, must provide public security.
Its president says guards and barriers can cost thousands of euros, putting them beyond the means of some independent businesses.
He urges shopkeepers to avoid putting themselves or their employees in danger, while businesses prepare for the planned protest.
Parisian shops are preparing for possible damage ahead of a protest planned for October 24.
Police have recommended that businesses strengthen security, including by hiring private security staff.
The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry says protecting businesses is the state’s responsibility, not the merchants’.
Its president says measures such as protective barriers and private guards can cost thousands of euros.
The preparations follow looting and damage reported during unrest on October 17.
- Who
- Parisian shopkeepers and businesses, the Paris police prefecture, and the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- What
- Shops are weighing security measures ahead of a protest, while the chamber says the state must provide public security.
- When
- The protest is planned for October 24, 2026. The articles were published on October 22 and 23.
- Where
- Paris, France.
- Why
- Businesses fear renewed violence and looting after damage during unrest on October 17.
Paris police prefecture
Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Responsibility for security
Paris police prefecture
The prefecture recommends that businesses strengthen security, including by using private security staff.
Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The chamber says public security is the state’s responsibility and should not be transferred to shopkeepers.
Security costs
Paris police prefecture
The prefecture recommends private guards and other security steps for businesses at risk.
Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The chamber says private guards are prohibitively expensive and protective barriers can cost independent shops several thousand euros.
Unrest was accompanied by looting and damage to shops.
The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry president criticised the costs of security measures and said public security was the state’s responsibility.
The police prefecture’s recommendations to businesses were reported, including using private security staff.
A new day of protest is planned in Paris.
- Planned protest
- October 24, 2026
- Earlier unrest
- October 17
- Police advice
- Strengthen security, including with private security staff
- Protective barriers
- Can cost independent shops several thousand euros
- CCI president
- Gérald Barbier
5 sources
Vigiles et vitriers : les commerces se préparent au 24 octobre
Manifestation du 24 octobre : entre sécurité privée, appels à l’autodéfense et fermetures anticipées, le dilemme des commerçants parisiens pour éviter le chaos
Mobilisation du 24 octobre : "Les commerçants ne sont pas là pour assurer la sécurité, c'est un droit régalien qui doit être rempli par l'Etat", dit la CCI Paris
What people are saying
Shopkeepers are not there to ensure security; that is a sovereign responsibility that the state must fulfil.
We cannot transfer the state’s responsibility to defend us to shopkeepers.
It is several thousand euros.
Above all, shopkeepers must be extremely careful not to put themselves in danger.