French business leaders urge government action after riots and looting hit stores

French business leaders are condemning widespread rioting and looting that erupted across France over the weekend, with around 1,500 storefronts targeted during cost-of-living protests. Executives are urging authorities to restore order and protect shopkeepers. Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard reported 50 of his stores were hit, calling for an "uncompromising response" and stating "The Republic must protect its shopkeepers." Lacoste CEO Thierry Guibert said looting endangers jobs and know-how, while esports firm Team Vitality reported its Paris gaming center was ransacked. Les Mousquetaires chairman Thierry Cotillard described the damage to his franchises as "unacceptable" and expressed solidarity with affected shopkeepers. The unrest follows demonstrations over rising living costs, with rioters smashing windows and stealing goods in Paris and other cities.