French Prime Minister Defends Police Actions Amid Student Protests

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has spoken out in defense of the police’s handling of student protests, following incidents involving serious injuries to protesters. These include a teenager losing a hand due to a police grenade and another losing sight in one eye after being hit by a projectile.

Police Response and Accusations

In a parliamentary session, Lecornu addressed accusations of police brutality, suggesting that the term implies officers were instructed to use force. He emphasized that police actions are triggered by urban violence. “Can accidents happen? The answer is yes,” Lecornu stated.

Both Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez have maintained that the police response was necessary due to urban violence, arson, and vandalism. Nuñez described the response as proportionate in “almost all cases.”

Political and Social Context

The Prime Minister accused the opposition party France Unbowed of using the protests for political gain as next year’s presidential election approaches. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency meeting with senior ministers to discuss the student protests and potential political consequences.

Student protests have led to over 6,500 arrests and hundreds of injuries as demonstrators demand improved funding and conditions in schools. Of those arrested, most were minors. Since the protests began, 215 students and 85 school staff members have sustained injuries, with Lecornu’s office reporting 715 police officers injured.

Nationwide Demonstrations

On the day of Lecornu’s remarks, various French unions and teachers’ groups, along with students from high schools and universities, held demonstrations. France’s left-wing parties also participated. The Interior Ministry estimated that 266,000 people demonstrated nationwide, with 56,000 in Paris. While the Paris protest was mostly peaceful, smaller groups clashed with police later in the day.

Injuries in Focus

The protests originated in high schools in the Paris area and later spread across the country. Recently, a 15-year-old boy lost a hand due to a police grenade explosion. There is uncertainty about whether he picked it up or it was thrown at him. Additionally, a 16-year-old in Tours lost sight in one eye after being hit by a projectile, potentially fired from a police device.

Boris Vallaud, leader of the center-left Socialist group in parliament, indicated that lawmakers would propose legislation limiting the use of sub-lethal riot-control weapons during student protests, citing the risk of irreversible injuries.