French Senate approves 'vandals must pay' bill despite criticism

The French Senate approved the 'vandals must pay' bill late Tuesday into Wednesday, a government proposal in response to recent acts of vandalism. The bill passed with a majority of 229 votes to 105 and will now be sent to the National Assembly for further debate.

The legislation was introduced following riots after Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May, and gained further urgency after cost-of-living protests peaked on October 17, when France saw widespread violence and thousands of shops were looted or damaged.

The Senate, controlled by the right, toughened the original text and broadened its scope to include a range of public order measures, such as mechanisms for joint liability among rioters and the confiscation of their social benefits.

Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, expressed support for the bill, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stressed the need to respond to the chaos and destruction seen on October 17, saying: "We can no longer allow the vast majority of our citizens to pay the price for the actions of a minority of vandals."

Under the bill, protesters could be required to pay up to €10,000 in compensation for damages caused during demonstrations. The law would allow authorities to withdraw social and housing benefits to help cover the costs, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing parties and rights groups.

Critics argue that imposing collective financial responsibility on anyone in a group deemed intent on vandalism could hold people accountable who had no direct involvement, especially if their connection to the acts is unproven. Sanctions would also apply to individuals who continue to participate in gatherings that threaten public order after two police warnings to disperse.

Left-wing lawmakers accused the government of "authoritarian drift" at the expense of "freedom of protest," and the Senate rejected two leftist motions to scrap the bill. Unions and student groups, in a letter published in Le Monde, warned of a "serious violation of the right to protest," saying the measures could disproportionately affect poorer families and encourage "arbitrary police actions." Amnesty International has urged the French government to abandon the bill.