French Senate advances 'vandals pay' bill allowing benefit seizures

The French Senate has advanced its review of the "casseurs payeurs" (vandals pay) bill to October, a move announced by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to project firmness after recent unrest. The text, proposed in June and presented to the Council of Ministers on September 16, targets those who damage public property. The bill's core aim is to force vandals to pay for damages, including through the seizure of family allowances and housing assistance (APL) in certain cases. This measure is designed to hold perpetrators financially accountable for their actions in public spaces. The decision to expedite the Senate review follows recent riots, including those after PSG's Champions League victory. The bill had not previously been scheduled for parliamentary debate, making this an accelerated process.