French Senate reviews 'casseurs-payeurs' bill after October 17 protest violence

The French Senate begins committee review Wednesday of the "casseurs-payeurs" bill, which would create collective civil liability for damages caused during protests, following violent unrest on October 17. The government-backed measure could be strengthened during its parliamentary passage. The bill would hold any person belonging to a group that committed damage liable without proving individual responsibility, with fines capped at 10,000 euros per person. It also targets family allowances and housing aid for non-payers, while right-wing senators propose expanding this to other benefits like the RSA. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called the text "absolutely indispensable" ahead of the presidential election. Left-wing opponents argue it is unconstitutional and would effectively ban demonstrations, with some critics calling it a gift to the National Rally.