French government fast-tracks bill making protesters liable for vandalism damage

■ Steady

France fast-tracks bill making protesters liable for damage after mass weekend marches

On Sunday the government fast-tracked a bill making protesters pay for damage at demonstrations, even if they did not cause it, and trade unions accuse President Macron of trying to curb the right to protest. This follows Saturday's cost-of-living marches, where the interior ministry said at least 1,300 people were arrested and at least 50 officers and three protesters were hurt. Protests have been led by high-school students for more than a month.

• The interior ministry reported 410,000 demonstrators on Saturday, including 110,000 in Paris, while unions claimed 800,000.
• Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said ultra-left groups threw projectiles and fireworks at police; clashes and tear gas were reported in Paris, Lyon, Rennes, Nantes and Bordeaux.
• About 70,000 security forces were deployed, and officials so far avoided a repeat of the previous weekend's rioting and looting.
• Gatherings were banned and curfews extended ahead of the weekend, and Limoges city hall was destroyed by fire during earlier protests.