The “casseurs-payeurs” bill began its legislative process in the Senate on October 21, shortly after the riots that occurred during the October 17 protests. This legislation aims to strengthen repression against violence committed during these gatherings.
Philippe Ballard, deputy and spokesperson for the National Rally, expressed his support for this bill, which he considers “indispensable.” He notably defends the introduction of “collective responsibility,” which would allow penalizing not only individuals who directly committed acts of violence but also those who accompany them.
According to him, “those who accompany the vandals are accomplices and must be condemned,” even if they did not directly participate in violent acts such as throwing projectiles. This stance reflects a desire to toughen the law to better control and sanction excesses during demonstrations.
