The French government announced on Wednesday that it would suspend the use of stun grenades in the policing of student protests after a 15-year-old boy reportedly lost his hand during a confrontation with riot police. This incident has intensified allegations of police brutality among protestors, further escalating tensions across the nation. Despite this pause, protests continued, with more than 500 schools reportedly closed the day after widespread demonstrations occurred throughout France.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that the decision to suspend the grenades was made to ensure safety while investigations into the incident in Lens are conducted. He mentioned that a total of 18 separate cases have been referred to the police inspectorate for examination. Nunez affirmed that he intended to reassess the situation following an investigation into the unfortunate event.

Demands from Protesters and Broader Context

The protests, ongoing for over two weeks, are primarily driven by student dissatisfaction over education quality and facilities, stirring public sentiment in the lead-up to an imminent election to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. At Lycee Lamartine, a central Paris high school, students gathered to express their concerns, chanting and singing in unity as they blocked access to the school. Some students expressed worries about deteriorating infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and lack of resources in public education.

Statistics reveal that French 15-year-olds have experienced a significant decline in scores for both reading and maths over the past decade. According to data from the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment, students scored 43 points lower in reading in 2025 compared to 2015, representing the largest decrease among OECD countries. The government, however, struggles to address these complaints amid pressures to manage public debt amidst sluggish economic growth.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu acknowledged the students’ grievances as “legitimate,” yet described the demonstrations as the most violent student protests seen in decades. Education Minister Edouard Geffray reported that 24 high schools have suffered damage from fire or vandalism and will remain closed for weeks, impacting approximately 30,000 students who will miss in-person classes until repairs are completed.

International Repercussions and Similar Protests

The unrest in France mirrors a broader wave of protests across Europe, where financial pressures have prompted students in Belgium and teachers in Portugal and Spain to voice their concerns. In Belgium’s Wallonia region, at least 107 individuals were reportedly arrested during related demonstrations this month. Teachers in Portugal launched an indefinite strike in mid-September, advocating for improved working conditions and adherence to legal work hours.

In Spain, teachers’ unions are also mobilising, with plans for a strike in Madrid on October 14, aiming to press for demands including reduced working hours, smaller class sizes, and increased salaries. These coordinated actions across multiple European nations indicate a rising sentiment among students and educators regarding educational quality and working conditions amidst persistent economic challenges.

The French government has proposed a bill aiming to hold those responsible for damaging schools financially accountable, rather than relying on taxpayers to cover repair costs. This legislative move aligns with sentiments expressed by far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, who positioned it as a necessary response to the destruction witnessed during the protests.

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