France announced wage support for affected workers and loans for damaged businesses as local authorities extended targeted curfews after weekend riots and prepared for another protest on Oct. 24.
Damage on Oct. 17 and 18 affected several thousand businesses, the Economy Ministry said. Under a state-funded partial-activity program, eligible employees will receive 60% of gross pay, rising to 100% for those earning the minimum wage. The ministry said Bpifrance would offer affected businesses zero-interest loans of up to €50,000 over three years.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu directed prefects on Oct. 19 to consult mayors and chambers of commerce before setting limited curfews. He said the restrictions would safeguard residents and local businesses. The measures follow an earlier Paris curfew and preparations for business aid.
AP reported that Paris police said on Oct. 20 restrictions covering Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping area would remain in place “for as long as necessary.” Lyon renewed a city-center curfew, while Marseille introduced a curfew for unaccompanied minors, AP reported.
The unrest followed demonstrations over living costs and school conditions, according to AP. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez counted 110 marches and about 550,000 participants on Oct. 17, while organizers estimated about 800,000, AP reported. The differing estimates describe the same day of protests.
The city of Limoges said a fire on Oct. 17 severely damaged its town hall, which was built between 1879 and 1883. AP reported that Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said a suspect in the fire had been arrested and placed in police custody.
Student unions and Yellow Vest groups have called for another protest day on Oct. 24, AP reported. The outlet also reported that Lecornu told lawmakers the police deployment for that day would be “massive,” but gave no figure.
