France's Senate backs rioters-pay bill: could protesters owe up to €10,000?

France's Senate voted 229–105 on Wednesday to approve a bill making protesters financially responsible for damage caused during demonstrations. The upper house passed an expanded version of the legislation, backed by a right-wing and centrist alliance holding a majority, and added several new penalties to those originally proposed.

The bill now heads to the politically divided National Assembly for debate and a vote. It is not law.

The legislation was introduced after riots following Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory over Arsenal in May. It gained new significance after protests over inequality and rising prices turned violent on 17 October, leaving thousands of businesses damaged or looted.

Under the proposed law, protesters could be required to pay up to €10,000 for damage caused during demonstrations. Penalties could also include welfare benefit seizures.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stressed the urgency of responding to the damage. "We can no longer allow the vast majority of our fellow citizens to pay for a minority of vandals," he told parliament.

Rights groups warn the legislation could undermine the fundamental right to protest.

The bill shifts the cost of public disorder from the state to individuals. If it becomes law, the definition of who counts as a liable protester versus a rioter will determine whether ordinary demonstrators face financial risk. The inclusion of welfare benefit seizures and expanded penalties raises the stakes beyond symbolic politics.

The National Assembly's divided composition means the final shape of the law is unresolved.

The Senate's vote is a step in the legislative process, not its conclusion.