French President Emmanuel Macron said looters must reimburse what they took during France’s weekend unrest and pledged help for affected merchants, as damage and theft added to the costs of nationwide protests.
In his Oct. 18 address, Macron said people who destroyed property would have to pay for the damage, while those who looted would have to reimburse what they took. He said businesses affected by the unrest would receive government support.
France 24 reported damaged storefronts and stolen merchandise during the weekend unrest.
Macron said several hundred thousand people had demonstrated over living costs and fuel prices. He distinguished those protesters from people who damaged shops and public buildings, and linked concerns about fuel prices to the conflict in the Persian Gulf.
As earlier coverage of the nationwide unrest detailed, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 550,000 people joined 110 marches on Oct. 17.
Macron announced an Oct. 19 crisis meeting to consider assistance for affected merchants.
