The French Senate today passed a bill that allows protesters to pay for damages caused in the event of riots during demonstrations, reports French television channel France24.
Fines can amount to up to 10,000 euros, and the possibility of confiscating social benefits is also foreseen.
The bill was designed as a response to the riots that followed Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May.
However, it gained significance after weeks-long protests over inequality and skyrocketing prices culminated on October 17 in one of the worst waves of violence in France in recent years, when thousands of shops across the country were damaged and looted.
The Senate adopted an expanded version of the bill with 229 votes in favor and 105 against, with the support of the right and center alliance, which holds the majority.
The proposal has been forwarded to the lower house of the French parliament for debate and voting.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who according to opinion polls is the favorite in the presidential elections next spring, supported the bill.
Addressing parliament, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasized the “urgency” of responding to the damage and scenes of chaos recorded on October 17.
“We can no longer allow the vast majority of our fellow citizens to pay the price because of a minority of vandals,” Nunez said.
The bill introduces joint financial responsibility for anyone found to have “knowingly participated” in a group formed with the intent to commit vandalism.
This would also apply to individuals who voluntarily continued to participate in a gathering likely to disturb public order, even after two police warnings to disperse.
The bill also contains a provision allowing the confiscation of social benefits and housing assistance to cover the costs of damages, which has been sharply criticized by left-wing parties and rights organizations.
During the second reading, senators tightened this provision, including other forms of social assistance such as family allowances, school start bonuses, and employment bonuses.
Left-wing lawmakers accused the government of an authoritarian shift at the expense of the freedom to organize protests.
The organization “Amnesty International” called on the government to withdraw the bill, warning that these measures could “push already marginalized families even deeper into poverty.”
“If adopted, this bill would represent a deeply regressive step. The confiscation of family allowances, housing assistance, or active solidarity income could have devastating consequences for some of the most vulnerable people,” said Nathalie Godard of the French branch of Amnesty.
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