Bill that envisions cutting benefits for people avoiding fine payments passes through lower-house

The Chamber of Deputies passed a bill on Friday that would enable the state to cut benefits for citizens who have repeatedly failed to pay fines for minor crimes, such as offenses against public order, civil coexistence and property. Such funds would instead be diverted to local district budgets.

The legislation, proposed by the opposition Civic Democrats, is seen by some parties as controversial. Some MPs highlighted during the debate that it could be particularly damaging to the country’s Roma minority, while others said that such legislation would lead to an increase in minor crimes in poor neighbourhoods. However, an attempt by the Pirate Party to scrap the bill did not pass.

The bill will now be discussed in the Senate.