Laurent Nuñez defends police tactics amid student protest scrutiny

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is facing intense scrutiny from lawmakers and political opponents regarding police conduct during recent high school student mobilizations. During debates at the National Assembly, members of the La France insoumise party demanded accountability for several incidents, including reports of police brutality and misconduct by officers in Perpignan and Metz.

Nuñez defended the use of intermediate weapons, such as LBDs (defense ball launchers) and encirclement grenades, stating their use is “proportionate” and within legal frameworks when dealing with urban violence. He addressed a recent tragedy involving a 15-year-old student who lost a hand after picking up an encirclement grenade, calling the incident “heartbreaking.”

While Nuñez promised to “render accounts” on public order maintenance, he also criticized opposition politicians for allegedly inciting violence at protest sites. The Minister is scheduled to appear before the Law Commission to further address these concerns.