More than 1,500 shops were damaged during recent riots in France, with supermarket chain Carrefour among the worst affected. Chief Executive Alexandre Bompard said 50 of the company’s stores were targeted during Saturday’s unrest and estimated the repair costs for Carrefour alone would exceed €10 million roughly ₹100–107 crore depending on the exchange rate.
Bompard condemned the violence, stating that nothing could justify attacks on businesses and the people who work in them. He called for stronger protection for shopkeepers and a firm response against those responsible. He also urged authorities to speed up compensation for affected retailers, suggesting a process similar to claims made after natural disasters.
The demonstrations began amid widespread frustration over the rising cost of living and the state of public services. More than half a million people took part in marches across several French cities on Saturday. While many protested peacefully, the situation escalated in places, with groups clashing with police, damaging buildings and looting shops. Storefronts were smashed, vehicles burned and public property vandalised. Supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing stores and luxury boutiques were among those hit.
In the historic city of Limoges, a fire broke out at the 19th-century town hall. The blaze caused extensive damage, with the roof collapsing onto the floors below and the clock tower falling.
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French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm, drawing a clear distinction between those exercising their right to protest and those involved in violence and destruction. He said the government would take steps to protect public buildings and local businesses. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that more than 2,000 people had been arrested and that hundreds of police officers were injured during the unrest.
Police continued to patrol affected areas as officials assessed the damage and clean-up operations began. For Carrefour and the many smaller businesses caught up in the violence, the immediate challenges are repairing premises and recovering losses so they can reopen as soon as possible.