France and Italy are facing widespread protests over rising living costs, inflation, low wages and proposed cuts in public spending. Students and young people have joined the demonstrations. Some protests have also led to vandalism, looting and damage to public property. High school students in France have taken to the streets to oppose rising costs and government spending cuts. Similar youth-led demonstrations have also spread across Italian cities. Videos from the protests reportedly show extensive damage to public property. Some footage also appears to show parents pulling their children away from demonstrations. Many parents fear that their children could face legal or financial consequences for participating in violent protests. France and Italy already have laws that address parental responsibility for damage caused by minors. France is considering additional legislation, while Italy has announced stricter measures to tackle vandalism and looting.

What Does Article 1242 of the French Civil Code Say?

France already holds parents responsible for certain types of damage caused by their minor children. Article 1242 of the French Civil Code establishes joint liability for parents who exercise parental authority over their children. The law states: "Parents, in their capacity as holders of parental authority, are by right jointly and severally liable for damage caused by their minor children, except when the latter have been entrusted to a third party by an administrative or judicial decision," as quoted by Al Jazeera. In 2025, France amended Article 1242 to strengthen parental involvement in youth justice proceedings. The amendment removed the requirement that parents must live with their children for civil liability to apply. Under French law, victims can seek compensation from parents through civil proceedings when their children cause damage. If insurance does not cover the losses, authorities may pursue the parents' assets through the applicable legal process. The French government now wants to introduce additional measures to address damage caused during violent protests. According to French radio station RFI, the government plans to debate a proposed bill called “rioters pay” on October 27. If lawmakers approve the bill, people found responsible for property damage could face compensation claims of up to 10,000 euros ($11,200), or approximately Rs 10.63 lakh. Parents could also face financial liability when their minor children commit vandalism. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has called the proposed legislation “absolutely essential”. He argues that taxpayers should not have to pay for damage caused by demonstrators. The proposed law aims to make offenders bear the cost of repairing damaged property instead of shifting the burden to the public.

What Measures Has Italy Announced?

Italy has also introduced stricter measures in response to protests and property damage. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has approved several steps to strengthen public security. One measure involves deploying 500 soldiers to Milan until the end of the year. The government also plans to hold parents financially responsible for certain acts of vandalism and looting committed by their children. Under the new rules, people who participate in groups of at least five and endanger public safety during protests could face up to five years in prison. Authorities could also impose fines of up to 20,000 euros ($22,460), or approximately Rs 21.32 lakh. The measures also expand police powers over young protesters. Authorities can detain people aged 14 to 18 on administrative grounds if available evidence suggests that they pose a potential threat. They can do so even when the authorities have not established a criminal offence. Previously, this power applied only to adults. Italy has also strengthened parental liability under the principle of “You break it, you buy it”. The measures aim to make parents pay for certain types of criminal damage caused by their children. Article 2048 of the Italian Civil Code addresses the responsibility of parents and guardians for unlawful acts committed by minors under their care. The provision states that parents and guardians may be liable for damages caused by the “unlawful act of unemancipated minor children or persons subject to guardianship who live with them. The same provision applies to the foster parent," as quoted by Al Jazeera. Authorities can pursue financial recovery through measures such as attaching assets or wages. Under the new measures, they can also impose direct fines on parents in applicable cases. The Italian government says these steps will strengthen public order and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.

Where Are Protests Taking Place in France and Italy?

Demonstrations continue across several French cities and regions. Authorities have imposed restrictions in some areas following earlier clashes and violent incidents. In Orléans, around 50 organisations are taking part in a major demonstration against the far right. In Paris, authorities allow approved trade union protests, while partial curfew restrictions remain in place in certain areas. According to a BBC report, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Picasso Museum have closed. Authorities have also banned demonstrations and rallies in Marseille and Lyon for the weekend following earlier clashes and riots, according to ESPN. Other regional cities continue to see authorised union marches and local protests over living costs and school conditions. Authorities are maintaining tight security. Curfews and restrictions on public gatherings may also affect Lille, Bordeaux and Nice. In Italy, demonstrations over living costs and government policies are taking place in major cities, including Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna, Genoa and Florence.

Protests Spread Beyond France and Italy

The unrest in France and Italy reflects wider public dissatisfaction across Europe. Rising living costs, housing shortages, education expenses and declining public services have fuelled demonstrations in several countries. Belgium and Portugal are also experiencing protests over economic pressures and housing problems. In Albania, students are demonstrating to demand political accountability. As protests continue, governments are considering stricter security measures and greater financial accountability for property damage. These policies have also raised questions about protest rights, public order and parental responsibility. France's proposed legislation and Italy's stricter measures could have significant financial consequences for families whose children damage property during demonstrations. However, the exact penalties and conditions for parental liability will depend on the laws in force and the circumstances of each case.