The wooden palisades which protected the shops in Rennes have gradually been removed. Like a release after months of barricading themselves. Here, as in Nantes, Paris or Lyon, the windows have often been targeted by thugs on the sidelines of the demonstrations against the pension reform. Convinced of leading a fight against capitalism, individuals had taken to degrading the facades of banks, insurance companies, real estate and temporary work agencies and major retailers such as Starbucks or McDo. In the Breton capital, independent shops had also been ransacked, sometimes looted, causing significant damage.
The association of downtown traders reports losses of turnover of “30 to 60%” for all of its members, excluding bars and restaurants. The situation had prompted Mayor Nathalie Appéré to seek state aid, as was the case in 2016 during protests against the Labor Law. Government response: No, there will be no compensation fund. But traders can be helped, by engaging “the responsibility of the State”.
According to the secretary general of the prefecture of Ille-et-Vilaine, “several traders” have already been compensated for part of the damage suffered during the demonstrations, but not in Rennes. To claim this aid, the plaintiffs attacked the State, considering that it was “civilly liable for damages and damages resulting from crimes and offenses committed, with open force or violence, by armed or unarmed crowds or gatherings, either against persons or against property. “At first, this procedure takes place amicably. It is up to the merchant to quantify the damage suffered. It is up to the prefecture to judge whether it considers the appropriate amount or not, ”explains Paul-Marie Claudon. A measure valid for the whole of French territory.
A “case by case” assessment
This same response was sent by Olivia Grégoire, Minister Delegate in charge of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, to the CCI of Ille-et-Vilaine, who had written to her in March. With some details. “Traders directly impacted by the demonstrations can request to benefit from support on a case-by-case basis”, assures the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This aid could in particular take the form of a spreading of tax claims and rebates “on a case-by-case basis” when there is destruction of property. The question of insurance deductibles, some of which have soared after repeated breakage and damage, is also on the table.
To claim compensation, traders must contact the prefecture of their department, justifying a complaint and a declaration of loss to their insurance. The prefecture will have two months to respond and offer, or not, support.