The French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has defended the police’s use of force during recent student protests, despite serious injuries sustained by demonstrators. One teenager lost a hand after a police grenade incident, and another was injured in the eye by a projectile. Addressing parliament, Lecornu rejected claims of police brutality, arguing that the police acted in response to urban violence.
Lecornu stated that police actions are prompted by urban unrest. He acknowledged the possibility of accidents occurring but denied any systemic intent to use excessive force. Both Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez emphasized that their actions were necessary, highlighting instances of arson and vandalism.
“What triggers police action is the occurrence of urban violence,” Lecornu said. “Can accidents happen? The answer is yes.”
Interior Minister Nuñez affirmed that the police response was generally appropriate. However, he is facing criticism from opposition parties, notably France Unbowed. They argue that the government is exploiting the protests as political leverage before upcoming presidential elections.
This development led President Emmanuel Macron to organize an emergency meeting with top ministers to assess the protests and their political implications.
The unrest has grown with over 6,500 arrests and hundreds injured, amid demands for improved educational resources. Minors accounted for most of the arrests. According to the Associated Press, protests resulted in numerous injuries to students, school staff, and police officers alike.
Lecornu reported 215 injured students and 85 injured staff members. His office also noted 715 injuries among law enforcement personnel. He addressed a broad national audience, expressing a desire to address student concerns and relieve their anxiety.
Protests have gained support from unions, teacher groups, and left-wing political parties. The Interior Ministry recorded 266,000 demonstrators nationwide, with 56,000 in Paris alone. While most Paris protests remained non-violent, some demonstrators clashed with riot police.
The protests began in mid-September centered around Parisian high schools and have since expanded across the country.
Notably, violent incidents have occurred. In northern France, a 15-year-old boy lost a hand due to a grenade explosion during protests. The incident remains under investigation, with uncertainties about the grenade’s handling. Another 16-year-old in Tours was blinded in one eye by a projectile, attributed to police use of riot-control weapons.
Boris Vallaud, leading the Socialist group, announced plans for legislative proposals to limit sub-lethal weapons at student protests. He underscored the risk of permanent injury from such weapons.