Senate moves forward with controversial collective liability bill amid protest unrest

A government-sponsored bill introducing collective civil responsibility for protest-related damage entered the Senate's law committee, where a right-centrist majority is expected to approve it with amendments. The measure would allow victims to claim compensation from any participant in a group that caused vandalism, bypassing the need to identify the actual perpetrator. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called the legislation essential ahead of the presidential election, and Senate President Gérard Larcher voiced strong support, citing a breach of social solidarity.

Opposition parties, including the Communists, Insoumis and Socialists, denounced the draft as unconstitutional and a tool for repression. Additional proposals from right-wing senators aim to expand the range of social benefits that could be seized and to impose travel bans on foreign nationals convicted of serious offenses during urban unrest.