Macron’s ‘vandals pay’ bill puts right to protest at risk
Summary
France’s Senate is set to debate a government bill that could make people pay up to €10,000 for damage caused by vandals at demonstrations, even if they did not cause the damage themselves. Trade unions and left-wing groups say the measure could deter protests, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says it is needed after looting and fires at recent demonstrations.Key Facts
- The bill could hold protesters financially liable if they were demonstrating nearby or with the same group as those who caused damage.
- The legislation also allows greater use of drones over protests.
- The government prepared the bill after violent clashes following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal in May.
- Recent protests have involved high-school students, trade unions and yellow vest activists, with demands focused on schools, living costs and public services.
- Authorities have restricted demonstrations, including by limiting access to city centres and banning some gatherings near schools.
- Marine Le Pen has backed making rioters pay for property damage and used a campaign rally to promise to restore order.
- Trade unions and the Human Rights League have called the bill an attack on the freedom to demonstrate.
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