French bookstore owner draws attention for staying open during protests

A bookstore owner stood out for keeping his shop open amid street disorder in France following protests.

“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports, citing foreign media, that the owner remained calm and did not close the shop, although smoke, scattered rubbish and boxes surrounded it. He sat outside the store and continued eating his meal.

He kept the shop open and waited for customers

A sign reading “WELCOME / OPEN” was placed outside the bookstore. Despite the disorder in the street, the owner left the door open and waited for customers.

Books remained neatly arranged on the shelves, and the shop’s windows were intact. People who shared the footage said the store was among the businesses that had escaped looting.

The owner’s invitation to customers to come inside, with the doors left open, made for a striking scene as nobody entered.

What happened in France?

According to the source, mass demonstrations were held in France on October 17 to protest the cost of living, education conditions and problems with public services. Clashes broke out during some of the rallies.

Store windows were smashed, businesses looted and cars set on fire in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and Nice, reports said. The damaged businesses included luxury-brand stores, supermarkets, electronics retailers and small businesses.

3,000 businesses reported damaged

The source said the number of businesses damaged in the unrest had reached at least 3,000 as of October 20. Earlier statements had put the figure at about 1,500.

Damage to the retail sector could amount to hundreds of millions of euros. Insurance companies have begun assessing losses, while some business owners said security measures were inadequate.

2,400 people detained

About 2,400 people were detained during the weekend’s unrest, according to figures from the French Interior Ministry cited by the source. Numerous police officers were reportedly injured in clashes between security forces and protesters.

The French government has launched a large-scale investigation to identify those involved. About 200 investigators have reportedly been assigned to examine security camera footage and material posted on social media in the Paris region.

Government steps up security measures

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has called for partial curfews in some areas to prevent looting and violence. He said extensive security measures would be taken to restore public order. The possibility of declaring a state of emergency could also be considered if necessary.

The government has asked online platforms to remove listings for stolen goods and cooperate with law enforcement to identify people selling the items.

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned looting and arson during the protests, saying those responsible would face action.