As a result of a reduction in unlicensed firearms, French gun owners have surrendered their guns at record levels to police stations across France.
France is keen to limit the number of illegally owned firearms – as many as six million, authorities estimate – and the Macron government is offering an amnesty in an effort to limit their distribution.
Rifles, handguns, ammunition, even knives and grenades, have been handed in at 300 collection points across the country since the start of the Ministry of Interior’s campaign on Nov. 25.
Weapons brought into the country are not subject to penalties. They will also be destroyed.
In Lisle-sur-Tarn in south-western France on November 28th 2022, surrendered guns were found in the trunks of cars. (VALENTINE CHAPUIS/AFP via Getty)
Reuters has reported that 65,000 firearms, of every type, had been returned along with 1.6million bullets.
“This campaign is here to help French people surrender these objects that are rather cumbersome for most,”Florence Gavello, police commander, said this at Nice’s collection point.
Other authorities also shared this optimism for a national disarmament.
“We believe there are about 5 or 6 million weapons that are being kept in an irregular manner by our fellow citizens,” said Jean-Simon Merandat, Head of the Interior Ministry’s Central Service for Arms and Explosives.
“Eighty to ninety percent of these weapons are in their possession due to an inheritance.”
Two people aged over 60 arrive in Lisle-sur-Tarn to donate a firearm at a collection. It took place on November 28th, 2022.(VALENTINE CHAPUIS/AFP via Getty Images
“When we talk to them, they’re quite happy about … getting rid of them.”
After Friday’s campaign, all weapons collected will be either destroyed or handed to museums.
France is home to 67 million inhabitants, so it has less guns per capita than other countries.
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