France to get tough on juvenile violence in wake of June riots

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has presented the government's new set of measures in reponse to urban riots that shook the country in June.

A demonstrator runs on the third night of protests sparked by the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old driver in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, France, Friday, June 30, 2023. AP - Aurelien Morissard

Speaking to mayors at the Sorbonne University in Paris, Borne said the government must get tougher on juvenile delinquents – with the support of the army if necessary – and should hold parents responsible for their children's actions.

The riots and looting – France's worst in almost two decades – broke out after a teenager of North African descent was shot dead by police after he failed to stop for a traffic check in the multi-ethnic working class suburb of Nanterre, near Paris.

The violence spread throughout France, affecting some small towns in rural areas – several of which introducing curfews.

Military supervision

In response to what has been called a "crisis of authority", the government will revisit the idea of having military personnel supervise young people – a measure already proposed by former Socialist presidential candidate Ségolène Royal in 2007. 

Those who incite violence on social networks will also be temporarily banned.

Borne told the elected representatives on Thursday that a majority of the rioters in June were young men "with few qualifications".

The French government intends to legislate for the handing down of community service sentences to children "who shirk their educational duties"?

"When a minor has caused damage, we are going to ensure that both parents – whether they are separated or not, whether they live with their child or not – are financially responsible for the damage caused," Borne said.

Many of the June rioters were young people from single-parent families. 

Cet été, notre territoire a connu des violences urbaines inacceptables.

Face à ces enjeux, c'est collectivement que nous devons répondre : État, collectivités, parents, associations.

Devant les maires aujourd'hui, j'ai présenté les mesures issues de nos concertations.

— Élisabeth BORNE (@Elisabeth_Borne) October 26, 2023

'Republican Action Forces'

For mayors who so wish, municipal police officers will be able to carry out acts of judicial policing, under the authority of the public prosecutor.

This extension of the scope of action of municipal police had already been voted for in 2021 but censured by the Constitutional Council that reviews French legislation.

So-called "Republican Action Forces" – police officers, magistrates and social workers – will be established in certain neighbourhoods to enforce of security, but also for a judicial, educational or social response to juvenile misbehaviour. 

In 2022, the proposal was part of a re-election campaign promise made by President Emmanuel Macron and will be piloted on the ground by the end of the year.

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Fines, repair fund    

Prime Minister Borne also announced Thursday that the fine for breaking a curfew would be increased fivefold to €750.

Borne also announced that €100 million would be made available to repair and rebuild the buildings affected, many of which were state buildings. 

Following Thursday's announcements, an Interministerial Committee on Towns – which has been postponed several times – will finally be held on Friday in the Paris suburb of Chanteloup-les-Vignes in the Yvelines département.

The aim is to find solutions to the recurring problems facing disadvantaged neighbourhoods in terms of employment, housing, schools and discrimination.