French Senate backs ‘Rioters Pay’ bill that could make protesters pay $11,000 fines

During the demonstration on 17 October in Limoges protesters set fire to the town hall in Limoges Haute-Vienne in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France on 17 October 2026. Elise Cabane | Afp | Getty ImagesFrance's Senate has passed a bill that would hold rioters financially accountable for damages, as the country grapples with public unrest.Under the so-called "Rioters Pay" bill, protesters could be ordered to pay up to 10,000 euros ($11,140) "for the compensation of damages resulting from crimes and offenses committed by force or violence." Welfare payments could also be seized to cover costs. France's government is grappling with nationwide violent protests while trying to slash bloated state spending. The protests, which began as a student movement, have broadened into wider public unrest, with demonstrators' demands ranging from greater investment in education to help with the cost of living. The unrest hit boiling point earlier this month, when protests descended into rioting, looting and violent clashes with police. Further demonstrations are expected this weekend.On Oct. 21, French Economy Minister Roland Lescure said in an interview that the violence and unrest had caused...