Senate mission concludes on order maintenance

A Senate mission focused on "the future of maintaining order" has submitted its findings, led by centrist Olivier Bitz and LR member David Margueritte. The review, initiated in January, examined changes in demonstrations over the past decade and highlighted concerns about rising violence and undeclared protests, particularly during the national mobilization on October 17, 2026.

Changes in demonstration patterns

The report notes a shift in how demonstrations are organized, with more instances of unregistered gatherings and increased violence. It attributes this to the influence of vandals and groups like black blocs, as well as new forms of protest such as civil disobedience and "zones to defend," which challenge traditional methods of crowd control.

State's response and its limitations

In response to these challenges, the French government introduced the national order maintenance plan (SNMO) in 2020. The plan aimed to enhance intelligence use, improve law enforcement mobility, and employ judicial measures to target violent elements. However, the report argues that the SNMO has not fully balanced the right to protest with the need to protect public order, as seen in the unrest on October 17 and 18, 2026.

Proposed technological and tactical upgrades

The mission recommends maintaining and developing intermediate weapons for law enforcement, alongside the use of algorithmic video monitoring and drones to detect violent groups. It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening intelligence services to monitor and respond to potential threats in real-time, while suggesting improved communication strategies to reduce tensions with demonstrators.

Repressive measures and legal proposals

The report includes proposals for stricter penalties, such as criminalizing participation in undeclared demonstrations and increasing prison sentences for violent group involvement. It also supports a bill that would allow the seizure of social benefits to reimburse victims of damage caused by protests, even if individuals did not personally commit the harm.