French Government Faces Scrutiny Over Student Protest Handling

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended police actions during student protests that led to serious injuries among teenagers. In parliament, Lecornu rejected accusations of police brutality, stating that such terms imply directed use of force. He emphasized that police action is triggered by urban violence.

Discussions in parliament highlighted incidents involving a police grenade, which resulted in a teenager losing a hand, and a projectile that caused another teenager to lose sight in one eye. Lecornu acknowledged the possibility of accidents in these circumstances.

“What triggers police action is the occurrence of urban violence” — Sébastien Lecornu

Both Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez defended police responses as necessary due to increased urban violence, arson, and vandalism. Nuñez described the force used by police as proportionate in almost all situations. Lecornu criticized the opposition party France Unbowed, accusing it of using protests for political gains ahead of the presidential election.

President Emmanuel Macron held an emergency meeting to discuss the protests, which demand better school funding and learning conditions. The government is under pressure, with over 6,500 arrests and hundreds injured. Most arrested are minors.

Prime Minister Lecornu reported 215 injuries among students and 85 among school staff. His office stated that 715 police officers were injured in the process. He hopes for a political solution to address the anxiety experienced by high school students.

Demonstrations have included unions, teacher groups, high school, and university students, with support from left-wing parties. The Interior Ministry estimates 266,000 demonstrators nationwide, 56,000 in Paris alone. While most were peaceful, minor clashes occurred later.

The protests began in mid-September at Paris region high schools, then spread across the country. The protests intensified when a 15-year-old lost a hand due to a police grenade. Another incident saw a 16-year-old in Tours lose sight, potentially from a police projectile.

Boris Vallaud, leader of the Socialist group in parliament, announced intentions to propose legislation limiting the use of sub-lethal riot-control weapons at student protests, citing their potential for severe injury.