French Bill Would Make Protesters Pay for Damage Repairs

The French government will present a bill to the Senate requiring those responsible for damage during protests to pay for repairs, announced government spokesperson Maud Bregeon today. The measure aims to prevent taxpayers from covering costs caused by a violent minority. The initiative, dubbed "casseurs-payeurs" or "who breaks, pays," comes amid nationwide student protests with 400 to 500 schools fully or partially closed. Bregeon said the government may use social benefits, including housing subsidies, to recover owed amounts, and proposes shared responsibility for those remaining at violent demonstrations after police order dispersal. Protests began over teacher shortages, school building conditions, and teaching standards, escalating into blockades, fires, and clashes. Authorities report 24 schools burned or looted, 78 education staff injured, and about 5,000 arrests since last Monday. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a five-priority action plan, while student unions call for intensified demonstrations Tuesday.