Centre-Val de Loire emergency fund for Tours shops hit by cost-of-living protests, Digi Mart USA News (Indre-et-Loire, France): On Tuesday, November 3, the Centre-Val de Loire Regional Council announced an emergency fund for shopkeepers and artisans affected, mainly in Indre-et-Loire, following protests against the cost of living. The aid will complement other assistance already provided.
The region is activating an emergency fund for local shops and craft businesses, as it did after the violent riots of summer 2023 in certain areas of Centre-Val de Loire. This additional support concerns shops in Indre-et-Loire, particularly in Tours, which were hard hit by numerous protests against the cost of living since October 17.
The fund will provide up to 7,000 euros for each affected shop. It will be complementary to insurance and other aid, including support approved by the Tours metropolitan council on November 2.
François Bonneau, president of the regional council, said the mobilization is necessary “even in a period of financial difficulty for local authorities.”
“A certain solidarity is needed for businesses that are essential to our cities. I cannot imagine cities without commercial activity.
The role of local shops is a social function and also provides jobs.”
In total, the fund is expected to help more than fifty businesses, some of which are economically on the edge. “The situation is very tense.
Many are close to tears. We risk significant business closures if they are not supported,” said Philippe Roussy, president of the Indre-et-Loire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Géraldine Ferteux, vice president of the Indre-et-Loire Chamber of Trades and Crafts.
To receive the fund, managers of affected shops must contact the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and prepare a file with supporting evidence. The time needed to receive the aid is estimated at about two months.
