Macron’s ‘vandals pay’ bill puts right to protest at risk
The French government is fast-tracking a 'vandals pay' bill that would hold protesters financially liable for damages caused during demonstrations, even if they did not personally commit the acts. Critics, including trade unions, argue this threatens the fundamental right to protest and could be exploited by political factions.
Why it matters
This legislation represents a significant shift in civil liberties and the state's approach to managing social unrest in Europe.
A protester throws a projectile towards police after a demonstration against rising living costs in Paris on Saturday. A protester throws a projectile towards police after a demonstration against rising living costs in Paris on Saturday. France Macron’s ‘vandals pay’ bill puts right to protest at risk Making innocent protesters liable for damage would be bad for rule of law and play into far-right hands, say opponents
Prefer the Guardian on Google Emmanuel Macron has been accused by trade unions of trying to curb the fundamental French right to protest as the government fast-tracks a bill to make protesters pay for damage caused by vandalism at street demonstrations even if they did not directly cause it themselves.
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