The French government has announced plans to accelerate the legislative timeline for the 'Damagers Pay' law, which aims to hold individuals responsible for damages during gatherings. The law is set to be discussed in the Senate this month, following recent student protests that turned violent. The government seeks to expand liability for damages beyond the 2019 law, which allowed the state to recover costs from those responsible for damages during gatherings.
The proposed law suggests extending civil liability to individuals who voluntarily remain in a gathering where damages occur, even if they did not commit the damages themselves. They could be held responsible for up to €10,000 in damages. This move comes after the government deemed the 2019 law ineffective due to difficulties in identifying those responsible and the relatively small amounts recovered. A study published in September on the French Senate's website highlighted these limitations.
According to the French Prime Minister's office, the government wants to "go further" than the current system, assuming that individuals participating in gatherings are responsible for any damages that occur. The 'Damagers Pay' law was first proposed in June following riots and vandalism in France after Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League title. It was then presented to the Council of Ministers on September 16.
The French government has decided to adjust the parliamentary schedule and accelerate the discussion of the 'Damagers Pay' law in the Senate. Initially, the law was not on the Senate's agenda. Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu made this decision as student protests, some of which turned violent, spread across France. The law aims to address concerns over public gatherings and damages.
The new law seeks to address the issue of violent protests and gatherings that have become increasingly common in France. By holding individuals accountable for damages, the government hopes to reduce the financial burden on the state and property owners. The proposed law has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing it infringes on civil liberties.
Student protests have been ongoing in France, with some gatherings turning violent and resulting in property damage. The government has suspended classes in hundreds of secondary schools due to the unrest. The 'Damagers Pay' law is part of a broader effort to address the issue of violent protests and ensure that those responsible for damages are held accountable.
The French Senate will discuss the 'Damagers Pay' law this month, with the government hoping to implement the new measures soon. The law's effectiveness will depend on its implementation and the government's ability to balance public safety with civil liberties. Key aspects of the law include extending liability to individuals who participate in gatherings where damages occur and assuming that participants are responsible for any damages.
Key points
- French government accelerates 'Damagers Pay' law to hold individuals accountable for damages during gatherings.
- Proposed law extends civil liability to individuals who voluntarily remain in gatherings where damages occur.
- Law aims to address concerns over public gatherings and damages, and reduce financial burden on state and property owners.
