France suspends stun grenades amid nationwide student protests

student protests education crisis police misconduct stun grenade suspension school infrastructure

France has suspended the use of police stun grenades during high school demonstrations following a violent incident in Lens where a 15-year-old boy lost his hand. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the temporary suspension pending investigations into the incident and 18 other cases of alleged police misconduct.

The nationwide protests, which have lasted several weeks, are driven by student demands for improved school infrastructure, addressing teacher shortages, and fixing overloaded timetables. The unrest has led to significant disruption, including school blockades and clashes between protesters and security forces. Authorities report that over 6,500 people, mostly minors, have been arrested since the movement began.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu acknowledged the legitimacy of student grievances, stating that the government cannot remain indifferent to their anger. He has promised to present a formal response and specific decisions to address the education crisis by the end of October. The unrest comes at a sensitive political time, six months ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Entities

Emmanuel Macron · France · Laurent Nunez · Ministry of the Interior · Sciences Po · Sébastien Lecornu

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] The French government has suspended the use of stun grenades during student-led demonstrations. axadletimes.com · www.stl.news · gr.euronews.com · pelop.gr · www.world-today-news.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] At least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff members have been injured in clashes related to the protests. www.world-today-news.com
[● 8 SOURCES] A 15-year-old boy lost his hand during a confrontation with riot police involving a stun grenade. axadletimes.com · www.stl.news · gr.euronews.com · pelop.gr · www.world-today-news.com · +2 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised to present a plan or first decisions in response to the education crisis by the end of October. axadletimes.com · www.stl.news · sputniknews.cn
[● 4 SOURCES] Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez suspended the use of stun grenades specifically for high school demonstrations pending an investigation. www.stl.news · gr.euronews.com · pelop.gr · www.srpskadijaspora.info
[● 3 SOURCES] Authorities have opened 18 internal investigations into alleged police misconduct since the demonstrations began. gr.euronews.com · pelop.gr · www.srpskadijaspora.info
[● 4 SOURCES] More than 6,500 people, primarily minors, have been arrested since the protests began. sputniknews.cn · gr.euronews.com · time.news
[● 6 SOURCES] Protesters are demanding improvements to school infrastructure, addressing teacher shortages, and fixing overloaded timetables. axadletimes.com · www.stl.news · sputniknews.cn · www.world-today-news.com · time.news