As Lyon braces for a new day of mobilization on Saturday, the city is still counting the cost of the damage wrought on October 17, when some 200 businesses in the city center were vandalized or looted. In response, the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) has opened a one-stop support desk, staffed with national police officers, so that affected traders can file complaints without the ordeal of a formal police station visit.
A Single Desk to Cut Through the Red Tape
“It saves time, and it’s less anxiety-inducing than going to a police station where you wait two to three hours. It’s calmer,” said Régis Poly, vice-president of the CCI in Lyon. To simplify the process, the chamber has set up a single counter, a single phone number and a single email address for all affected businesses.
The waiting room reflects the breadth of the damage. Among those seeking help are local shopkeepers, bank employees and hair salon managers.
“We had broken windows, hammer blows to cash machine screens — anything that is a symbol of capitalism: banks, real estate agencies,” one bank employee explained.
The manager of a hair salon said there had been “a lot of graffiti, a few shop windows were hit,” but his biggest concern was “having had to close.” Business has since slowed sharply. “There are four hairdressers per salon, and right now there’s enough work for one instead of four. How will it go? How can we be supported? Do they have information to give us?” he asked.
Filing Complaints and Facing the Aftermath
One pharmacist came to file a complaint after being insulted. She said her turnover had fallen by half since last Saturday, despite employing 30 staff.
Inside the CCI premises, the victim-support association Le Mas has set up an office to listen to the traders and receive their accounts. “In their situation, as individuals, they are victims of a criminal offense. So we advise them on the first steps to take: see their doctor, have their injuries and their psychological state documented,” said Monna Zeghmar, who heads the association.
“Psychologists speak of acute stress, difficulty falling asleep, worry, anxiety about the future — particularly if offenses are repeated — and flashbacks, meaning reliving the scenes,” she added.
Financial Relief on the Way
The CCI will pay €3,000 to each affected business, while the Lyon metropolitan authority is set to release a total of €10 million in support.
One clothing retailer left the desk reassured after learning he would be eligible for the aid. Both of his boutiques were completely emptied over the weekend, and he is unable to reopen.
