France's Senate passed a significant piece of legislation on Wednesday, voting 229 to 105 in favor of a bill that makes protesters financially accountable for damage caused during demonstrations. The measure, which was supported by a majority coalition of right-wing and centrist lawmakers, now moves to the National Assembly for further debate and a final vote.
The legislative push gained momentum following riots that erupted after the UEFA Champions League final in May, where Paris Saint-Germain faced Arsenal. The bill took on increased urgency following widespread unrest on 17 October, when protests centered on rising prices and inequality resulted in thousands of instances of property damage and looting. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez defended the move in parliament, stating, "We can no longer allow the vast majority of our fellow citizens to pay for a minority of vandals."
The proposed law has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing lawmakers and various human rights organizations. Detractors argue that the legislation is overly broad, noting that individuals who did not personally commit acts of vandalism could still be held liable if they are determined to have knowingly participated in a group formed to carry out such actions. Amnesty International has voiced concerns that these measures could exacerbate the financial strain on families already facing marginalization, specifically noting that the bill could allow for the seizure of welfare benefits and housing assistance to settle damage claims.
This legislative effort follows a broader trend of European governments tightening security protocols in response to civil unrest. For example, Italy recently enacted a new security decree that imposes harsher penalties for violent protests, including prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years for those who organize groups engaged in violent demonstrations.
