Brief
Macron says French student protests are being exploited by political forces
Macron calls for concrete responses as protests spark injuries, legal action and police probes.
By Felo News Desk · Published
President Emmanuel Macron, speaking through spokeswoman Maud Bregeon, said the three‑week high‑school protests across France have "legitimate" grievances but are being "exploited" for political purposes. The comment came after a cabinet meeting and a day of nationwide solidarity demonstrations.
What happened
Students have shut more than 560 high schools since early October, with demonstrations in Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Marseille, Rennes and other cities. The interior ministry reported 161,500 participants on Tuesday, while unions claimed up to 480,000. Police used tear‑gas in several cities and reported 36 allegations of officer violence, opening internal investigations.
What the reports add
France 24 noted that the far‑left candidate Jean‑Luc Mélenchon joined a Paris march, while the far‑right National Rally backed police and blamed students for violence. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said nearly 900 officers were injured during the unrest.
What was said
Bregeon told reporters that Macron "stressed that young people have legitimate concerns, but said these are being exploited for political purposes and turned into urban violence." The family of 15‑year‑old Evan, whose hand was maimed by a police stun grenade on Oct. 5, said they are seeking an impartial investigation; lawyer Bertrand Wattez denied the police account that the boy tried to pick up the grenade. A 16‑year‑old blinded in Tours on Sept. 30 saw the officer involved charged with aggravated battery.
How it came about
The protests follow weeks of school closures, arrests of thousands of pupils and accusations that fringe groups have hijacked the movement. Earlier Felo coverage linked the unrest to budget‑cut protests and a surge of arrests, highlighting the growing tension between students, unions and political parties.
Key facts
- Macron said student protests have legitimate grievances but are being exploited for political purposes (france24.com)
- Interior ministry reported 161,500 protestors; unions claimed 480,000 (france24.com)
- Police opened investigations into 36 allegations of officer violence (france24.com)
- A 15‑year‑old lost his hand after a police stun grenade exploded on Oct. 5 (france24.com)
- A 16‑year‑old was blinded during a Sept. 30 protest in Tours; the officer was charged with aggravated battery (france24.com)
Where accounts differ
- Number of protest participants: Interior ministry said 161,500 people turned out (france24.com); Unions put the figure at 480,000 (france24.com)
Sources
- [1] france24.com — originally reported as “French student protesters are being 'exploited' by political forces, Macron says”
