The main French employers’ organizations on Monday called on the government to put in place support measures for traders and entrepreneurs affected by six nights of violence, which they condemn, following the death of Nahel, killed at 17 by a police officer. .
The Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, had asked insurers on Saturday to extend the declaration deadlines, reduce deductibles and quickly compensate professionals who were victims of the riots. A deferral of payment of social and tax charges for companies in difficulty will also be possible.
For the Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (CPME), this deferral of charges may not be “sufficient”. The organization, which defends the interests of SMEs, calls for “immediate and massive support measures” for traders and tobacconists, in particular, who do not have access to partial unemployment. “For those who have lost everything, it is essential to provide them with a means of subsistence”, insists the CPME, pleading for the establishment of “a relief fund” as well as a delay in the reimbursement of loans guaranteed by the State (PGE) granted during the health crisis.
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On Saturday, the Ministry of the Economy had identified, in four nights of unrest, a dozen shopping centers and more than 200 retail chains attacked and looted – including 15 burned down -, as well as 250 tobacconists, also 250 agencies banks, shops of all sizes and fast food establishments. Asked by AFP on Monday, the Ministry of the Economy indicated that it did not have an updated report. “These companies will not be able to resume their activity for several weeks, and many others, in particular of a commercial nature, are already suffering significant declines in activity due to the riots”, points out the Union of local businesses (U2P).
It asks the government to put in place “appropriate measures” – such as partial activity and the deferral of charges -, insurance companies to compensate quickly and proportionately, and banks to grant the companies concerned “facilities ” reimbursement. In addition to the losses of activity, the Movement of the companies of France (Medef) deplores “a deterioration of the image of France. (…) Beyond the cancellations already recorded in the tourism sector, investors could give up projects if calm is not restored and security assured”, according to him.
The CPME is in favor of postponing the end of the sales, scheduled for July 25, by one week.