France plans short-time work support for businesses damaged during cost-of-living protests, a measure aimed at protecting jobs as a minister estimates that at least 3,000 businesses were damaged or looted.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the program would be activated Oct. 20, with support set at 100% rather than 70%. He said it would help affected businesses retain staff.
Serge Papin, minister for small and medium-sized enterprises, trade, crafts, tourism and purchasing power, estimated that damage or looting affected at least 3,000 businesses. Lecornu said talks with insurers had begun on quicker claims reviews and interim payments. He also said public money would be used to help businesses.
Ministers have not finalized other financial measures. Papin raised the possibility of deferring tax and social charge payments, while Lecornu described a debate over exemptions and a dedicated support fund.
Lecornu also instructed prefects to impose partial curfews in areas affected by violence. President Emmanuel Macron said prefects could restrict certain gatherings in coordination with mayors to protect businesses and public buildings.
Macron distinguished people protesting living costs and fuel prices from those who damaged property. He linked concerns about household costs and fuel to the conflict in the Persian Gulf, and said those responsible for destruction and looting should pay for the damage.
In a France Inter interview, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said police had lost control in some cities during the Oct. 17 demonstrations, as earlier coverage of the police response detailed. The Economy Ministry has scheduled an extraordinary business council for 5 a.m. ET (09:00 UTC) on Oct. 20, with media remarks planned for 6:30 a.m. ET (10:30 UTC).
