French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu instructed prefects Monday, Oct. 19, to begin partial curfews that evening and outlined support for shops and workers affected by protest violence.
At a government crisis briefing, Lecornu said prefects would consult mayors and chambers of commerce and industry before choosing areas for the restrictions. He ruled out a curfew covering all of Paris, saying the measures should be limited to places where people and businesses need protection.
The government will activate short-time work support for affected businesses Tuesday, Oct. 20. Lecornu described the support as “100%” but did not specify what the figure covers. Ministers are also discussing the form of a proposed fund for shops, alongside possible tax and social-charge relief to address their cash needs.
Lecornu said public money would be needed to help businesses recover, while arguing that those responsible for the damage should bear its cost. The measures are intended to help shopkeepers meet immediate expenses and protect employees’ jobs.
A judicial operation also began Monday. Nearly 200 investigators at the Paris police prefecture are set to review images and video to identify suspects. Lecornu said a state of emergency remained an option if necessary, though he favored targeted curfews for now.
The response follows the Oct. 17 protests across France. Lecornu said many people had demonstrated peacefully, drawing a distinction between the protests and the violence that damaged shops.
Ministers will continue discussing business support through Tuesday, Oct. 20. Lecornu also plans to meet unions about security for a demonstration scheduled for Nov. 5.
