Liège merchants reject federal aid following riots

Merchants in Liège have expressed skepticism regarding federal government aid promised following recent riots and demonstrations. While the federal government announced measures to support businesses impacted by the violence, local professionals argue the assistance is insufficient to cover their significant losses.

Proposed aid includes the ability to utilize the ‘bridge right’, access temporary unemployment due to force majeure for workers, and defer social security contributions for the fourth quarter of the year for up to one year. These measures were announced by Minister of Economy David Clarinval and Minister of SMEs Eléonore Simonet.

Jean-Luc Vasseur, president of Liège commerce, described the measures as ‘smoke and mirrors,’ noting that deferring invoices does not repair physical damage such as broken storefronts. Additionally, business owners expressed concerns regarding the administrative complexity of the application process, which requires police reports, photographs, and detailed repair documentation.