French Senate passes bill to make protesters pay for unrest damage

The French Senate approved a bill Wednesday that would hold protesters financially responsible for damage caused during street protests, despite concerns it may limit the right to demonstrate. The legislation, supported by a majority right-wing and centrist alliance, passed with a vote of 229 to 105. It was initiated following riots that erupted after Paris St-Germain's Champions League final win over Arsenal in May.

However, it gained increased importance after weeks of protests over inequality and rising costs led to significant violence on October 17, with thousands of businesses damaged or looted. The bill is now headed to the National Assembly for further debate. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasized the urgency of addressing the damage, stating, "We can no longer allow the majority of citizens to pay for a minority of vandals."

Critics argue the legislation could unfairly target individuals who did not participate in vandalism if they are associated with those responsible, potentially leading to the seizure of social benefits and housing assistance. Left-wing lawmakers have accused the government of an "authoritarian drift" at the expense of free protest, while Amnesty International warned the measures could exacerbate poverty among vulnerable families.