"The recent events have had a severe impact on national economic activities, in the mainland and also in overseas territories, particularly in Reunion," he said at a press conference.
Nationwide protests flared up on 17 November over high diesel and gasoline prices. People wearing yellow vests blocked roads and access to some factories. In an escalation, thousands clashed with police in Paris last Saturday.
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The finance and economy chief estimated that retail figures dropped by 35 percent on the first day of protests and by 18 percent on 24 November.
