National Rally parliamentary group leader Marine Le Pen suggested deducting compensation from wages or benefits to make people responsible for damage during France’s Oct. 17 protests bear the cost.
Le Pen told franceinfo Wednesday that people responsible for looting could remain liable for the damage for the rest of their lives. She said parents should pay for damage caused by minors and urged prosecutors to take a firm approach to looting. She argued that making those responsible pay could deter attacks on property.
About 3,000 businesses sustained damage or were looted, Anadolu Agency reported. The outlet also reported attacks on public buildings, including Limoges town hall. The Associated Press reported that a fire broke out inside Lyon’s tourist office.
Yellow Vest groups and students were among those who took part in the Oct. 17 protests, which focused in part on living costs and fuel prices. Opposition to fuel prices also helped drive the Yellow Vest demonstrations of 2018-19.
Le Pen accused President Emmanuel Macron’s government of failing to prepare for violence she said was foreseeable. Her comments extend her earlier criticism of the government’s response to the unrest, which she has used to argue that state authority has weakened.
Anadolu Agency reported that local curfews took effect Oct. 19 in several cities. Le Pen questioned whether the restrictions, including those in Paris, Lyon and Marseille, explained the subsequent lull in unrest.
National Rally will send representatives to Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s meeting with political parties Thursday, Le Pen said. Groups associated with the Yellow Vest movement have called for protests Saturday, Oct. 24.
