France: A video game store in Paris was looted during protests - customers clear up

Short forced break in France: After violent protests at the weekend, there were local curfews in France over the past two nights - including in the capital.

Passers-by:

"A curfew could be a good response to prevent excessive violence."

»I don't think this will stop the violence. It will only fuel more hate. Young people will think: 'You didn't understand us; they didn't listen to us. They lock us up at home, try to exclude us and prevent us from social contacts."

»It depends on how long it takes. Will it only be short? Will it be like this until Saturday? Or the next two weeks? We don't know. It's quiet at the moment, but the question is: if the police presence is increased, what will be the impact?"

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France to protest against the poor situation in education and the high cost of living. Violence broke out: more than 2,500 people were arrested and, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 2,000 shops were looted.

Among other things, this jeweler in Lyon.

But also a small video game store in Paris, with an estimated damage of 150,000 euros.

Oury Zagoury, shop owner:

»What helps us a lot and gives us emotional and physical strength are the people who come to us of their own accord to express their solidarity, express their regret and help us.«

The regular customers come by to clean up:

Customer:

»I know that the retro gaming community is very solidarity. But then seeing how many people were there this morning warmed my heart.”

Customer:

»I saw all the shops damaged and looted. And I think it’s important to show our support to the business owners.«

But further protests have already been announced for the coming weekend:

Oury Zagoury, shop owner:

»To find out that there will be another demonstration on Saturday is disheartening. We were hoping to be able to reopen as soon as possible - even if that would have meant starting small, with not as many goods, because everything was stolen.

The Prime Minister wants to mobilize more police and possibly ban demonstrations.