Prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to €12,500 are to be introduced for anyone convicted of attacking police officers, ambulance and fire-fighting crews. The new legislation was introduced by Green MP Stéphanie Empain and won support across the political spectrum in the Chamber of Deputies.

It also protects customs officers and soldiers from attack.

Crime statistics indicate some 63 cases of aggression against emergency services personnel in 2018.