Approximately 3,000 shops and retail outlets in France were damaged because of mass unrest over the past weekend. The government has announced financial support measures for entrepreneurs, while law enforcement agencies continue a large-scale operation to identify and detain those involved in the riots and robberies.
The unrest erupted on October 17 against the backdrop of nationwide protests the rising cost of living, high fuel prices, and problems in public services. According to authorities, between 500,000 and 800,000 people took part in the demonstrations. On the fringes of the peaceful marches, groups of looters appeared who smashed shop windows, set fire to cars, and raided stores — ranging from grocery chains and pharmacies to luxury boutiques and electronics shops — in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg, and other cities.
According to government estimates announced by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, at least 3,000 commercial enterprises suffered damage. Earlier, chambers of commerce and the retail federation had spoken of 1,500–2,000 affected premises; the final figure is still being clarified. The damage is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros.
The authorities have promised financial support to entrepreneurs. From October 20, affected businesses will be able to use a short-time working scheme funded 100% by the state. In addition, a special support fund is being created, and insurers have been advised to speed up assessments and advance payments. Trade Minister Serge Papin and other cabinet members assured shopkeepers that the state “will stand by them” and will simplify recovery procedures.
At the same time, law enforcement agencies continue their work. More than 2,300 people were detained over the weekend, a significant portion of them adults previously known to the police. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted that in several cities the security forces temporarily lost control of the situation due to insufficient preparation, and submitted his resignation, which President Emmanuel Macron did not accept. Investigations are underway to identify all those involved in the riots, arson, and looting and bring them to justice. In a televised address to the nation, Macron condemned the violence and promised that those responsible would face the law.
Limited curfews have been introduced in several cities to protect retail outlets and public order. Street clean-up operations and a full assessment of the scale of the damage are continuing.
