France Passes Law on Police Gun Use
The French National Assembly passed a law that assumes police officers used lawful force when using their weapons. Many people and legal groups oppose this law. Over 200,000 people signed a petition against it.
The law, approved on July 7, 2026, creates a presumption of justified use of force for police and gendarmes who use firearms. Opposition lawmakers tried to stop the law with amendments, but the government used a constitutional article to proceed. Critics called the law a ‘license to kill’ and raised concerns about police violence. The vote was 313 to 199. The law comes after criticism of French law enforcement’s actions during protests.
Summarized from the sources above. Read the originals for the full story.
Highlights
National Assembly Approves Law
The French National Assembly approved a law on the use of force by police and gendarmes.
Presumption of Lawful Force
The law establishes a presumption of lawful use of force when officers use firearms.
Opposition Criticizes the Law
Opponents call the law a ‘license to kill’ and criticize its potential misuse.
Government Bypasses Amendments
The government used a constitutional article to pass the law despite opposition amendments.
Over 200,000 Sign Petition
More than 200,000 signatures were collected on a petition against the law’s implementation.
Perspectives
- The French National Assembly approved a law.
- The law establishes a presumption of lawful use of force.
- Many groups oppose the law, calling it a ‘license to kill’.
- Over 200,000 people signed a petition against the law.
The law assumes officers acted lawfully, unless proven otherwise.
New, RFI
The law is a ‘license to kill’ and undermines accountability.
Le Monde, France24