France expanded its investigation into weekend looting and announced support for affected businesses, as Commerce Minister Serge Papin estimated at least 3,000 shops had been damaged or looted nationwide. Papin said the estimate was provisional.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said a judicial operation began Oct. 19, with nearly 200 investigators from the Paris Police Prefecture expected to review images and video. The staffing figure covered Paris; Lecornu gave no national investigator total. He said the review would help pursue suspects identified after the unrest, alongside immediate criminal cases.
The unrest accompanied protests about living costs and school conditions. The Associated Press reported that hundreds of thousands took part; some demonstrations remained peaceful as clashes and looting occurred elsewhere. Paris prosecutors said hearings were scheduled after more than 1,000 arrests in the city. The AP compared the episode with France’s 2018 yellow vest protests and also cited unrest in 2023 and 2005.
In an Oct. 19 announcement, Lecornu directed prefects to impose partial curfews in specific areas that evening, with consultations involving mayors and chambers of commerce. He said the restrictions were intended to protect people and businesses from further damage.
Lecornu announced short-time work support at a 100% rate from Oct. 20, to be activated by ministerial instruction. He said the aid was meant to help shops reopen and preserve jobs. Ministers were developing a dedicated support fund and working with insurers to speed up damage assessments and advance payments.
Lecornu said public funds would be used while authorities pursued civil liability from people convicted of vandalism. Ministers were due to provide more economic details after consultations with businesses and insurers on Oct. 19 and 20.
