The list of shops authorized to open "will not change", says Bruno Le Maire

The list of shops authorized to open "will not change" because of the "deterioration of the health situation", although it is not "perfect", said Monday on France Info the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Mayor.

"It would not be understandable that at a time when the health situation is deteriorating - when it is difficult for caregivers, for hospital staff - to send a message to open other businesses", explained the minister.

He justified the opening of shoemakers and the closing of shoe stores by the fact that the former are among the repairers, just like those of computer equipment, for example.

"It's hard for traders, it's penalizing"

Some businesses have been allowed to remain open since March 21 because of their importance to the economy and employment, such as car dealerships, or others because they generate a large part of their turnover in spring, like florists or chocolate makers.

Bruno Le Maire acknowledged that the closure of several tens of thousands of shops, "it's hard for traders, it's penalizing" and added that "as always my door is open to look at how to compensate them, especially on the issue of stocks on which we are making good progress with (the Minister for SMEs) Alain Griset ".

Towards "exceptional balances"?

He proposed that an inventory be made when the businesses reopen, "that this inventory, to avoid all abuse, be done by a trusted third party and that on the basis of this inventory made by a trusted third party, there is compensation for traders who are concerned with priority given to clothing "and" to shoemakers in particular ". 

Bruno Le Maire also specified that a reflection was underway to authorize traders to make "exceptional sales" outside the usual periods.