French Prime Minister to expedite security legislation amid recent football unrest

French Government Proposes Extraordinary Parliamentary Session Following Violent Scenes at PSG’s Champions League Win

More than 200 people were arrested in France after Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for a second consecutive year, following disorderly scenes in Paris and Germany. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced plans to call an extraordinary parliamentary session in early July to expedite the adoption of the government’s RIPOST security bill.

The bill, which was presented on March 25, aims to address “everyday disorder” including illegal rave parties, misuse of nitrous oxide, firework mortars, and drug use. It would also expand police and surveillance powers. The Senate has already cleared the bill.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, more than 200 people were injured, with one person dying in Paris following PSG’s victory. Lecornu stated that he plans to propose the RIPOST bill for consideration during the week of July 6.

Lecornu also expressed concerns about the government’s approach to addressing the consequences of violent incidents, stating that perpetrators often face little financial burden. He announced plans to develop proposals to recover costs more effectively and act in a “more coercive” manner, while excluding the suspension of welfare benefits.

Additionally, Lecornu mentioned exploring alternative methods to finance compensation for damage, including using part of benefits payments, excluding a minimum living allowance. This follows similar scenes after PSG’s semifinal win in Germany against Bayern Munich last year and their Champions League final win against Inter Milan the previous year.

Source: Al Jazeera