Hong Kong issued a travel alert for France on Oct. 20 as Paris introduced localized restrictions and Bordeaux imposed a curfew for unaccompanied minors in specified areas. Commerce Minister Serge Papin estimated that at least 3,000 shops had been damaged or looted.
Commerce Minister Serge Papin estimated on Oct. 19 that at least 3,000 shops across France had been damaged or looted. He described the figure as preliminary. Damaged premises and interrupted trading have left merchants facing immediate costs.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government planned to cover 100% of a short-time work scheme for affected businesses and establish a dedicated support fund. He also said officials were speaking with insurers. The plans followed his earlier direction to prefects to choose local curfews.
Hong Kong’s amber alert advised residents traveling to France or already there to follow local announcements, stay away from large gatherings and avoid nonessential trips to protest areas.
In Paris, the first reported overnight curfew covered Place de la République and part of Les Halles from 5 p.m. ET (11 p.m. CEST) on Oct. 19 until midnight ET (6 a.m. CEST) on Oct. 20. Residents, workers and emergency personnel were exempt. A separate order barred gatherings and marches in 13 sectors from 2 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CEST) on Oct. 19 until midnight ET (6 a.m. CEST) on Oct. 20.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said the measure should remain exceptional.
In Bordeaux, the Gironde prefecture ordered a nightly curfew for unaccompanied minors in specified shopping areas. Its first overnight period begins at 4 p.m. ET (10 p.m. CEST) on Oct. 20. The prefecture reported nearly 120 arrests in the city on Oct. 17 and overnight into Oct. 18.
President Emmanuel Macron said demonstrators had raised concerns about living costs, fuel prices and conditions of life and study, while distinguishing their demands from the destruction. Macron said the government would bring students, teachers, unions, employers and local authorities together to discuss responses.
The Bordeaux order is scheduled to end at 2 a.m. ET (7 a.m. CET) on Oct. 26.
