France seeks parental liability for high school blockade damages

The French government is seeking to hold parents financially accountable for property damage caused by their underage children during nationwide high school blockades. Following weeks of student-led demonstrations demanding increased resources for schools, widespread vandalism has been reported, including shattered windows, burned trash bins, and damage to public transit infrastructure.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has directed prosecutors to systematically pursue the civil liability of parents for these incidents. According to official reports, approximately 2,000 people have been taken into custody, with 90% being minors. While the government has emphasized parental responsibility, legal experts note that under the French Civil Code, parental liability for a minor's actions is an established principle rather than a new legal development.

Under current law, the obligation to compensate for damages arises automatically once the minor's role is established, regardless of whether the parents provided adequate supervision. Recent legislative changes have also ensured that liability can be engaged even if the parents do not reside with the child, provided they retain parental authority.