20.10.2026 12:03
During the street incidents in France, it drew attention that a bookshop surrounded by smoke and garbage remained standing without being looted. The shopkeeper, who sat calmly after placing a "Welcome, we are open" sign in front of the business, invited customers inside despite the chaos. However, although he kept the door open, the fact that no one entered the shop produced interesting scenes.
In the midst of the chaos on the streets following the protests in France, a bookshop presented a different scene from other businesses.
While scattered garbage and boxes drew attention on the smoke-covered street, the man sitting in front of the bookshop remained calm. The shopkeeper, sitting in his chair without paying heed to what was happening around him, continued eating the food in his hand.
HE DID NOT CLOSE HIS SHOP, HE WAITED FOR HIS CUSTOMERS
The sign in front of the bookshop read in English "WELCOME / OPEN" (Welcome / Open). Despite the turmoil on the street, the shopkeeper kept his door open and continued waiting for his customers.
It drew attention that the books in the shop window remained neatly on the shelves and its windows stayed intact. Those who shared the images reported that the bookshop was one of the few businesses that was not damaged in the looting.
NO ONE WENT INSIDE
The owner of the bookshop did not close his business despite the events around. Although he invited customers inside, the fact that no one entered the shop created an interesting scene.
WHAT HAPPENED IN FRANCE?
On October 17 in France, demonstrations were held with the participation of hundreds of thousands of people against the cost of living, education conditions and problems in public services. Some protests that initially proceeded peacefully turned into violent incidents. In many cities, especially Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and Nice, masked groups smashed store windows, looted businesses and set vehicles on fire.
Luxury brand stores, supermarkets, electronics retailers and small businesses were targets of the looting. Major damage also occurred in shopping areas in the capital Paris where stores of brands such as Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior are located.
NUMBER OF DAMAGED BUSINESSES REACHED 3,000
The economic toll of the weekend events in France is becoming increasingly heavy. While initial statements indicated that about 1,500 businesses were affected, as of October 20 this number rose to at least 3,000.
While the retail sector's losses are estimated to reach hundreds of millions of euros, insurance companies began damage assessment work. Some businesses had to close their shutters, while business owners complained about insufficient security measures.
2,400 PEOPLE DETAINED
According to data from the French Ministry of the Interior, approximately 2,400 people were detained in the weekend events. Many police officers were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters.
The government launched a large-scale investigation to identify those involved in the incidents. In the Paris region alone, about 200 investigators were assigned to examine security cameras and images shared on social media.
GOVERNMENT MOVES TO IMPOSE CURFEW RESTRICTIONS
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu requested that partial curfews be imposed in some areas to prevent looting and violence. Lecornu announced that a comprehensive security operation had been launched to restore public order, and said the state of emergency option could also be considered if necessary.
The government also asked internet platforms to remove listings for stolen products and to cooperate with security units to identify those selling these products.
MACRON REACTS TO VIOLENT EVENTS
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the looting and arson during the protests and announced that action would be taken against those responsible. While student organizations and various protest groups in the country are calling for new demonstrations, the government continues its efforts both to restore public order and to support damaged businesses.