France announced wage support and zero-interest loans for businesses hit by weekend unrest, while Paris counted 283 vandalized businesses and a minister estimated at least 3,000 businesses nationwide suffered damage or looting.
The French government said Oct. 20 that eligible businesses could use a state-funded short-time-work scheme. Employees unable to work because of the damage would receive 60% of gross pay, while workers paid the minimum wage would receive 100%. Bpifrance plans to offer zero-interest loans of up to €50,000 over three years. The government said the package is intended to protect jobs and help affected businesses resume operations.
The City of Paris counted 283 vandalized businesses as of Oct. 20. Its tally covers vandalized businesses in the capital; the city update did not give an overall value for the damage.
At a government crisis briefing on Oct. 19, Commerce Minister Serge Papin estimated that at least 3,000 businesses nationwide had been damaged or looted. The figures have different scopes: Paris counted vandalized businesses in the capital, while Papin’s estimate covers damage or looting across France.
Euronews reported that shopkeepers worked on damaged storefronts in Paris on Oct. 19 while cleanup crews removed debris. The outlet said video-game shop owner Ouri Zagoury’s stores near Place de la République were looted Saturday. Euronews reported that Zagoury said he called police but could not stop the looting himself.
Paris had also set up a support unit for affected merchants to record damage and help with administrative and insurance procedures.
The Associated Press described the demonstrations as protests over rising living costs and poor conditions in schools. The City of Paris distinguished the vandalism and looting from the peaceful participation of most demonstrators. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said organizations had filed notice for a demonstration on Nov. 5.
