Macron’s vandals bill puts French right to protest at risk, critics warn

Bill follows unrest

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called the proposal “absolutely essential” after looting and fires during recent demonstrations across France. The bill was first prepared after violent clashes in May, following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal.

Unions warn of consequences

Leftwing trade unions and the Human Rights League called for the bill to be abandoned in an open letter to Le Monde. They described it as an attack on freedom to demonstrate and warned it could set back the rule of law.

At demonstrations this weekend, many people said they had come out to defend the right to protest in the street. In France, street demonstrations have long been a way to challenge changes to laws, including pension changes and same-sex marriage.

Restrictions and political debate

Although Macron has not declared a state of emergency, the government and local authorities have limited demonstrations. Restrictions include bans on gatherings near schools and protests in city centres, curfews in some places, and longer periods in police custody for people arrested.

Marine Le Pen, who has appealed her conviction for embezzling European parliament funds, launched her presidential campaign at a Sunday rally in Orléans. She promised to “bring back order to France” and questioned whether the country had rule of law when buildings were being ransacked and burned.

Concerns over far right

An unidentified speaker described the situation as “unprecedented” and said the bill could benefit the far right if it won elections next year. The speaker warned that it could then impose further crackdowns without changing the law.

The proposal is being debated amid a growing social crisis involving schools, the cost of living and public services. Recent demonstrations were largely peaceful, but some were marred by looting, fires and vandalism of state buildings.