‘Hell’ riots in France after teen shot dead costs Macron more than €1bn so far

France riots: Yamaha store looted

Ongoing violent riots in France are leaving affected towns and cities increasingly out of pocket and left to fend themselves on their own.

The chaos, sparked by the fatal alleged police shooting of a 17-year-old in suburban Paris, is estimated to be costing the country more than one billion euros so far.

Zartoshte Bakhtiari, mayor of Neuilly-sur-Marne, east of Paris told the BBC: “Within days, we [were] in hell.

“What’s happening now is the result of years of weakness from politicians, and decisions that have not been taken.

“It’s a problem of authority because these [rioters] don’t fear justice.

Read more: Rioters targeted home of French mayor while wife and children slept inside

“[They] may go to court, but they come back home a few hours after trial simply because we don’t have enough places in jail in this district of Paris. We cannot support this kind of weakness from the state.”

Pointing at the charred wall of the local city police station, he said: “They jumped over this wall at 1am with a jerrycan of petrol.”

Bakhtiari said those responsible for the act of arson were captured on a video surveillance camera. Based on the footage, it seems that the culprits are teenagers, likely ranging from 14 to 16 years old.

He added: “I find it hard to understand that it’s children who are destroying things, because at that age, your parents should be responsible for you.”

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In a recent interview with Le Parisien, Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, the leader of Medef, France’s influential employers’ union, shed light on the significant consequences of the ongoing riots.

He expressed concerns over the economic toll, estimating that the damage inflicted upon businesses amounts to approximately one billion euros. The repercussions extend beyond financial losses, as the images of violence circulating globally have tarnished France’s reputation as a tourist destination.

According to Roux de Bézieux, more than 200 businesses have fallen victim to looting, with 300 bank branches destroyed and 250 tobacconists affected.

The perpetrators employed extreme measures of violence, ransacking establishments and even taking cash registers before setting everything ablaze. The aftermath has left many business owners worried about compensation, particularly smaller enterprises. However, Roux de Bézieux expressed confidence that insurers will respond promptly to these claims, reassuring affected businesses that they will be compensated for their losses.

While ruling out a repeat of the extensive financial support measures implemented during previous crises, such as the health and energy emergencies, Roux de Bézieux suggested considering one-off advances for businesses unable to operate for an extended period. This proposal aims to address the concerns of those hardest hit by the riots.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has urged insurers to extend reporting deadlines, expedite compensation procedures, and reduce deductibles. These measures seek to provide relief to the victims and support their recovery efforts.

Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.

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