France: Poll shows 79% support for merchant self-defense

A CSA poll conducted on October 29 and 30 reveals that 79% of French citizens support the right of shopkeepers to use self-defense against looters. The survey, commissioned by media outlets Europe 1, CNews, and Le JDD, shows significant demographic variations. Support is highest among the 18-24 age group at 94% and among supporters of the Rassemblement National and Reconquête at 95%. Conversely, 63% of those on the political left expressed approval.

The poll follows recent demonstrations in October that involved incidents of looting and property damage. In a separate development, approximately 780 journalism students from 15 French schools have signed a manifesto criticizing the media coverage of recent student and high school mobilizations. The students, supported by the media observatory Acrimed, allege that certain major media outlets have focused disproportionately on incidents caused by outsiders while ignoring police violence and the core social demands of the movements.