Particle.news

Senate Opens Debate on Ripost Bill Tightening Public-Order Rules

A right‑centre majority looks set to approve measures targeting free parties, nitrous oxide use, plus motorbike rodeos.

Overview

  • The Senate, which opened debate Monday, plans a solemn vote on May 26 after sessions scheduled through midweek.
  • For large music gatherings, the draft creates an offence for organising free parties with up to two years in jail and a €30,000 fine, while lowering the notice threshold to 250 attendees.
  • On nitrous oxide, offences for inhalation and for driving under its influence are added, and senators support a broad ban on sales to individuals.
  • The bill broadens fast-track penal fines, setting €800 for motorbike rodeos and raising the drug-use fine to €500, even as a Cour des comptes report questions the tool’s effectiveness.
  • Left parties and jurists warn of civil-liberty risks and unequal impact, and customs unions protest a plan to give border powers to police and gendarmes.