In a significant development for France's juvenile justice system, a reform initiative led by former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has successfully navigated through Parliament, overcoming a tumultuous legislative process.

The initiative, which seeks to 'restore authority' in the justice system, 'hold parents accountable,' and expedite the judicial process for repeat juvenile offenders, garnered broad support in the Senate, passing with 223 votes in favor and 112 against.

Earlier, the National Assembly approved the bill with 341 votes for and 187 against.

The proposed reforms were largely driven by a need to address concerns following the summer 2023 riots that involved a substantial number of young people.

While the alliance of right-wing and centrist parties has generally supported the reforms, they have faced strong opposition from all left-wing factions in both chambers of Parliament.

Critics, including professionals from the juvenile protection services (PJJ), argue that the measures undermine the foundational principle of juvenile justice, which prioritizes education over punishment.

Supporters of the reform, such as the leader of the 'Ensemble pour la République' group, argue for a return to 'simple and clear principles' in penal response, emphasizing that 'the youths of 2025 are not the same as those of 1945,' referencing the year when specific juvenile procedural rules were established in France.

Key provisions of the new legislation include the introduction of a civil fine levied against parents who fail to respond to court summons for their children, as well as a contentious immediate appearance procedure for repeat youthful offenders starting at age 16. Another significant aspect of the reform is the reversal of the 'minority exemption' principle, which has allowed minors to be treated less severely than adults; now, from age 16, this will become the exception and must be justified by the judge, specifically in cases of recidivism with sentences of at least five years.

Minister of Parliamentary Relations Patrick Mignola defended the reform, asserting that it does not tilt the balance of juvenile justice, but rather integrates education and punitive measures to ensure that judicial responses are prompt, appropriate, and effective.

This parliamentary achievement comes nearly a year after Attal's sudden shift from leading the government to managing parliamentary affairs within his party, Renaissance.

Despite these advancements, the reform's journey has not been without setbacks.

The legislative process has seen critical amendments and the removal of key provisions during committee reviews in both the Assembly and Senate, indicating ongoing tensions within the governing coalition.

Notably, Senator Francis Szpiner, a member of the Republican Party aligned with Renaissance, expressed substantial criticism of the reform, describing it as a potentially ineffective response crafted under emotional pressure.

The government's coalition, including Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin, made concerted efforts to maintain the integrity of the reform amid significant opposition.

Nonetheless, the left has united with youth protection advocates to label these initiatives as 'populist, simplistic, and repressive.'

Several opposition parties, including the Socialists, Greens, and La France Insoumise, have vowed to challenge the legality of multiple aspects of the reform in the Constitutional Council, arguing that they violate children's rights and the underlying principles of juvenile justice.

Senator Corinne Narassiguin of the Socialist Party criticized the reform as a 'gimmick' that threatens to undermine the rule of law.