Amidst widespread protests and rioting that have shaken France, a game store employee in Nice has gained online notoriety for attempting to deter looters from damaging his workplace. The employee, identified as Pierre, was filmed standing guard in the doorway of a Micromania store, a popular video game retailer.
Video footage shared on social media platform X shows Pierre standing beside a display featuring Goku from Dragon Ball Z. He is seen briefly leaving his post to confront individuals causing damage. In one clip, as he retreats into the store, he is struck from behind with an aerial kick. Onlookers reportedly assisted him, returning his glasses as he resumed his position.
Pierre later told French radio broadcaster ICI that his actions were impulsive and perhaps unwise. "I can’t seem to intellectualize what happened. Maybe that will come later," he stated, according to a machine translation. "I think I shouldn’t have done it in the first place. It was stupid. But at the time, that’s what I did."
The protests, which have escalated over the past month, stem from growing frustration with living conditions, school issues, and economic inflation. The French government's proposed austerity bill, which could further reduce social services, has been a significant catalyst for the unrest. Reports indicate that approximately 800,000 people participated in protests over the weekend, with rioters vandalizing an estimated 1,500 shops.
Despite the extensive damage, Pierre noted that the rioters represented a minority of the protest movement. "We mustn’t forget that this is still a minority in terms of attitude," he said of the looters. "For the rest of the procession, things went rather well. There are a few bad apples, but they’re not the majority."
Other retail outlets catering to geek culture also fell victim to the vandalism. In Paris, one store was reportedly stripped of its retro games, raising concerns about its ability to reopen. The chain Le Coin des Barons, specializing in trading cards, also suffered damage, with one viral video depicting streets littered with Pokémon cards following the torching of a store in Lille.
Over the weekend, approximately 2,000 individuals were arrested in connection with the disturbances. French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed accountability for those responsible for destruction and looting, stating, "Those who destroyed must pay... Those who looted must pay back. Those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable." Macron also indicated a willingness to engage with protesters' grievances through meetings and concrete proposals.