Protestsupdated 1h ago2 min read
Emmanuel Macron Says It’s Unbearable as Men Loot Shops in Central Paris
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Curfews imposed in parts of Paris and Nice after weekend riots. At least 3,000 businesses damaged nationwide; damages run into millions; insurers assessing.
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Curfews and looting
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu told prefects to impose “very limited” and “localized” curfews in cities to prevent more rioting and looting after weekend unrest in France. Emmanuel Macron told the nation it was “unbearable to see our streets ransacked” as groups of men looted shops in central Paris for hours for a second night running.
Gérald Darmanin said on Monday that men arrested in vandalised shops on Saturday night included a 34-year-old with previous convictions for criminal damage, theft, violence and driving offences. Authorities conceded they had “lost control” in major cities and asked some cities to impose a partial curfew to restore order.
Who was affected
France’s insurance federation, France Assureurs, told Euronews that its members were "fully mobilized to support insured parties affected" as insurers assessed multi-million-euro damages. Alexandre Bompard, president of the French Federation of Commerce and Distribution and CEO of Carrefour, estimated on Sunday, October 18, that around 1,500 shops had been affected across France.
The government’s tally for Monday reached 3,000 businesses damaged, while Carrefour reported damage at 50 establishments, including 20 that were looted. A 73-year-old woman near Les Halles said, “Men were battering shop windows, trying to break in, then they were chased by police,” as looting continued into the second night.
Stakes for businesses
France Assureurs told Euronews it still did not have an estimate of how much the destruction would cost, and it could not specify how many claims had already been filed. Euronews said the riot insurance system created by France’s 2026 budget law had not yet taken effect because it still required approval from the European Commission and an implementing decree from the government.
Bompard warned that “It is still a little too early to accurately assess the extent of the damage,” while calling for accelerated compensation to support retailers. Alexandre Bompard estimated on Sunday, October 18, that around 1,500 shops had been affected across France, and the figure included establishments that suffered looting, arson, or damage.