The French Government’s Consideration of a Riot Tax

The French government is reportedly looking into a new “riot tax,” which would see the costs associated with unrest reflected in citizens’ insurance premiums, according to a recent report.

In recent weeks, numerous businesses and local authorities have struggled in the aftermath of severe riots, described as Islamo-leftist, that have caused extensive damage. Estimates suggest that the destruction resulting from looting, arson, and other violent incidents amounted to around €1.2 billion during the weekend of October 17th alone. Over 3,000 businesses were affected during just those two days, many now facing the grim reality of potential closure as gangs ran rampant, destroying their livelihoods.

As detailed in a report by French financial newspaper Les Echos, the potential tax is expected to start at the beginning of the upcoming year. It would introduce a 0.8 percent “solidarity contribution” on various types of insurance policies, including those for cars, businesses, and homes.

The government aims to generate €400 million from this initiative, with a lofty revenue goal of up to €4 billion. Those impacted by the measure would benefit from automatic insurance against damage to their properties.

Even though the proposed tax increase is significantly less than what was initially considered—set first at five percent and then revised to two—the reception from the public may not be so warm. There’s an underlying apprehension about whether citizens will be willing to shoulder the financial burden of damage caused primarily by youths from migrant backgrounds and far-left groups.

During a discussion about the tax, one listener expressed frustration to the Paris-based radio station Europe1, stating, “I’m in favor of making the rioters pay, not the citizens. It’s really shocking and unacceptable. We already have to cover so much with our taxes, you know?”

Another contributor voiced his concerns, saying, “It’s absolutely ridiculous and scandalous. It’s always the same people who end up funding everything. Why do we keep dragging everyone down to the same low point? If the rioters can’t pay, we should consider cutting their benefits. But, of course, that won’t happen. That’s just how things are in France. It’s like we’re living in a country of lunatics!”

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has recently implemented a principle requiring rioters to bear the costs of the damage they inflict. Following a set of riots in Milan that mirrored the unrest in France earlier this month, an emergency decree was enacted. Notably, for minors engaged in such activities, the financial responsibility will fall to their parents, including potentially garnishing their welfare benefits.

Deputy PM Matteo Salvini remarked on this legislation, stating, “He who errs pays. Because he who breaks a shop window or attacks a clerk isn’t a revolutionary; he’s just an idiot.”

A similar bill is making its way through the French legislative process. Recently, the Senate passed a proposal holding rioters financially accountable, with a vote of 229 to 105.

This proposed law would enable the state to impose fines as high as €10,000 on individuals who participate in violent riots, regardless of whether they were directly responsible for any damage. Additionally, the legislation allows for the seizure of welfare or state housing assistance from those involved, or from their families in the case of minors.