Paris police renewed a targeted curfew Tuesday as Commerce Minister Serge Papin gave a preliminary estimate of at least 3,000 shops damaged or looted during France’s weekend unrest.
Papin announced the estimate Monday as the government began working out support for affected shops and workers. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said a partial unemployment measure would be available at 100% starting Tuesday to protect jobs.
Ministers are considering either a dedicated fund or relief from taxes and social charges for affected shops, Lecornu said. Discussions with insurers are already underway about quicker damage assessments and advance payments.
Paris pharmacy owner Audélia Sitbon told Euronews that her stock had been burned. “I have no stock left, they burned it all,” she said.
Paris police renewed the curfew in the République and Les Halles areas from 5 p.m. ET Tuesday to 12 a.m. ET Wednesday, following Monday’s limited Paris curfew. Lecornu said prefects would consult mayors before deciding where any further local restrictions were needed. He credited the earlier curfews with helping keep order overnight.
The demonstrations began over rising living costs and conditions in schools, the Associated Press reported. Damaged shops face immediate losses, while the proposed unemployment measure is intended to protect jobs. The Associated Press also reported that further protests are planned for Saturday, Oct. 24.
Lecornu is scheduled to meet union representatives Wednesday, Oct. 21, and political parties Thursday, Oct. 22, Le Monde reported.
