Dispute over financial aid for damaged businesses

A new disagreement has arisen between the City of Lyon and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region regarding how to provide financial help to businesses affected by looting and damage on October 17. Nearly 200 businesses in Lyon were impacted, with over 160 located in the Presqu'île area, a central district of the city.

Regional proposal for aid rejected by Lyon

The Region had proposed a 15 million euro fund to assist affected merchants, covering 50% of eligible expenses for protective equipment, up to 5,000 euros per business, and invited municipalities to help fund it. However, Lyon’s mayor, Grégory Doucet, has decided not to contribute to the regional program.

Mayor prefers local solutions and calls for national aid

In a letter shared with Le Progrès, Doucet stated that the City will not participate in the regional fund, citing concerns over complicating procedures for affected professionals. He emphasized a preference for a simpler and more effective response, suggesting that the Region should coordinate with the Lyon Metropolis, which has already announced a 10 million euro support plan.

Lyon mayor opposes local funding for national failures

The mayor has called for a national solidarity fund, arguing that local authorities should not bear the sole cost of the destruction. He stated that it is not up to local authorities to pay for the financial consequences of the government's failure and has urged the president of the Region, Fabrice Pannekoucke, to support the creation of an exceptional national solidarity fund before the Prime Minister.

Lyon to continue independent emergency measures

In the absence of regional participation, the City of Lyon intends to continue its own emergency measures within its competencies. These include postponing the increase in public space occupation fees, particularly for terraces, authorizing up to twelve Sundays of opening in 2027, and doubling the staff of the municipal police.