France Fast-Tracks "Vandals Pay" Bill Making Protesters Liable for Damage
The French government is fast-tracking a bill that would make protesters pay for vandalism at street demonstrations, even when they did not cause the damage themselves, according to The Guardian. The proposal, known as the "vandals pay" law, was due to be debated by the Senate, France's upper house of parliament, in the week of 25 October 2026.
Under the proposal, a protester could be held liable for up to €10,000 for damage and vandalism if they continue to demonstrate nearby or as part of the same group as the people responsible. The bill also provides for greater use of drones over protests. The French term behind the policy, casseur-payeur, roughly means "vandal-payer." Article 1 of a bill before the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, aims to write that principle clearly into law for people convicted of causing damage.
Le Monde reported that the proposal would make any person demonstrating near someone who committed violence civilly liable, meaning liable to pay compensation in a civil rather than criminal case. Al Jazeera reported that parents could face financial penalties if their children take part in vandalism or looting during demonstrations.
The measure comes after weeks of unrest. For more than a month, high-school students have blockaded schools, demanding action on teacher absences, repairs to decrepit buildings and changes to the university applications platform. Trade unions and gilets jaunes (yellow vest) protesters have joined sustained street demonstrations over schools, the cost of living and public services.
On Saturday, 17 October, demonstrations turned into riots, with a town hall set on fire, shops looted and buildings covered in graffiti, Reuters reported. President Emmanuel Macron then tightened curbs on protests, blaming hard-left unrest and vandals for the riots and looting.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the bill was originally prepared after violent clashes that followed Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory over Arsenal in May 2026. The Rassemblement National, the far-right party led in the presidential race by Marine Le Pen, has claimed the bill was originally its idea.
Le Pen launched her presidential campaign at a rally in Orléans, promising to "bring back order to France" before a crowd of more than 8,000 people. She said she would ensure damage to property was paid for by rioters. She has also lodged an appeal with France's highest court against her conviction for embezzlement of European Parliament funds.
Separately, Les Echos reported that the government planned to cut social benefit payments in response to the 17 October violence.
