Macron accused of putting France’s right to protest at risk with ‘vandal’s law’

The French government has fast-tracked a bill to make protesters pay for damage caused by vandalism at street demonstrations, even if they did not directly cause it themselves.

The proposed 'vandals pay' law would hold a person protesting liable to pay up to €10,000 for damage and vandalism, even if they were continuing to demonstrate nearby or as part of the same group as perpetrators.

Trade unions and gilets jaunes (yellow vest) anti-government protesters have joined sustained street demonstrations in a growing social crisis over schools, as well as the cost of living and public services.

The bill also provides for greater use of drones over protests, and has been met with widespread criticism from opponents who say it would mean the end of street demonstrations in France.

Marine Le Pen, of the far-right, anti-immigration National Rally (RN), has seen her frontrunner status in next spring's presidential election boosted as she seeks to reinforce her law-and-order credentials and back police.

The RN has claimed the 'vandals pay' bill was originally its idea, and Le Pen has promised to 'bring back order to France' and ensure damage to property is paid for by rioters.