Who pays for a $1B riot? Europe looks past rioters to their parents and the apps in their pockets

France’s Senate has approved a bill that would let authorities deduct riot-related damages from families’ housing aid, potentially shifting part of the cost of unrest onto people whose relatives committed violence. The measure passed 229-105 this week, days after weekend riots tied to cost-of-living protests sparked estimated damage of more than €1 billion ($1.1 billion). Police arrested nearly 2,400 people over one weekend, while officials reported thousands of shops looted or damaged and a fire gutted Limoges’ 19th-century city hall. Supporters say victims deserve compensation; critics warn it could punish non-violent protesters and deter peaceful demonstrations. Next, the bill heads to the National Assembly.