France's Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to address the nation on the ongoing student protests that have seen widespread unrest and multiple injuries. The address comes as the government faces mounting pressure over its handling of the protests, which have been marked by significant police presence and student demonstrations. According to the Interior Ministry, 266,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide, with 56,000 in Paris alone.
The student protests have resulted in a substantial number of injuries and arrests. Since the protests began, 215 students have been injured, alongside 85 education workers and 715 police officers and gendarmes. Notably, a 14-year-old suffered a double jaw fracture in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône, a 16-year-old in Tours suffered an eye injury compatible with an LBD projectile, and a 15-year-old in Lens had their hand amputated. These incidents have added to the pressure on the government to respond proportionately.
The French government has taken steps to address some of the concerns raised by the protests. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that police will suspend the use of stun grenades during high-school protests while authorities investigate the serious injury of the 15-year-old in Lens. Nuñez stated that there was a strong possibility that the grenade was responsible for the injury and that 18 investigations have been referred to the Inspectorate General of the National Police.
The scale of the protests and the government's response have been met with criticism from student organizations. Student and university organizations have called for a fourth day of mobilization on Thursday, October 8, urging protesters to continue blockades and demonstrations in Paris and other cities. The Union syndicale lycéenne and Union étudiante are backing the call, while the CGT trade union has also said it will mobilize alongside students.
The numbers behind the protests are significant, with 5,060 people placed in police custody by Monday, including 4,406 minors. Of those detained, 1,802 people faced prosecution, including 1,483 minors. Overall, the Interior Ministry counted 6,547 arrests or interpellations since September 28. Tuesday alone saw 488 interpellations, while 43 members of the security forces were injured.
President Emmanuel Macron has been involved in discussions with ministers to address the protests. Macron's discussions with ministers focused on the government response, with an emphasis on proportional policing, dialogue with students and their representatives, and addressing the unrest while maintaining public order. Lecornu met Macron yesterday evening along with Nuñez and Education Minister Édouard Geffray to discuss the government's response.
The student protests have sparked an international reaction, with France summoning the Iranian ambassador over alleged disinformation on student protests. Meanwhile, the government continues to face pressure to address the concerns of students and ensure public order. As the situation develops, Lecornu's address is expected to provide further insight into the government's strategy for managing the protests and engaging with students.
Key points
- 215 students injured, 4,406 minors arrested during protests.
- Government suspends use of stun grenades during high-school protests.
- Student organizations call for further mobilization on October 8.
