PARIS: The French parliament’s upper house on Tuesday debated a controversial bill that would make protesters financially liable for damage caused during street demonstrations, despite warnings from critics that it could curb the right to protest.

The bill was drafted in response to riots that followed Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in May. But it has taken on added significance after weeks of protests over inequality and soaring prices culminated in some of the worst violence France has seen in years on Oct 17, when thousands of businesses across the country were damaged and looted.

The legislation, due to be voted on later Tuesday, was expected to receive strong backing in the upper house, where a right-wing and centrist alliance holds a majority. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whom opinion polls place as the frontrunner to succeed Emmanuel Macron in next spring’s presidential election, supports the legislation.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026