The French Senate has decided to tighten the law to prevent looting and riots

The French state is trying to strengthen its police and legal instruments to prevent the looting and riots that are taking place in the context of protests in the country over the cost of living and the defence of public services.

The law began to be drafted in May,whenthe Aris Saint-Germain team won the Champions League, following the incidents of the A0.

Among the measures included is the possibility of claiming the amount of up to€A010,000 from those who cause damage. These fines may be imposed on those who participate inorganized groups for the purpose of causing damage and who, following two police dispersal orders, remain in gatherings that may disturb public order . 

The legislative measure has been preceded by bans on demonstrations, border controls and other police devices and France does not rule out other measures such as disrupting social media. 

Unions, student associations and "yellow jackets" have called for a new mobilisation next Saturday.

Withdrawal of aid

The text opens the door to the seizure of social benefits, family allowances, housinggrants , minimum income for integration and other benefits, including activity incentives and support for the beginning of the school year.

The Senate has also advocated limiting access to the country, as well as new administrative prohibitions on demonstrations. This legal reform also involves making the use of video surveillance  more flexible. On the other hand, within 24 hours, it has received an urgent procedure to remove Internet content that encourages vandalism. 

The legislative initiative passed in the Senate by 229 votes in favour (including the ultra-right-wing National Grouping) and 105votes against will now have to be approved by the lower house, the National Assembly.