Violence erupted in Paris on Tuesday amidst largely peaceful student demonstrations that drew tens of thousands across France. The clashes in the capital's 7th arrondissement, near Les Invalides at Place Vauban, resulted in 11 police officers being hospitalized, according to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
Minister Nuñez described Tuesday as a "particularly gruelling" day for local law enforcement, reiterating his "firm stance against violent individuals who attack the police" in a social media post. During the confrontations, protesters hurled bottles, fireworks, and stones at officers, who responded with water cannons, teargas, and stun grenades to disperse the crowds.
The use of stun grenades by police has faced increased scrutiny in France, particularly after a 15-year-old pupil lost his hand during a police operation outside a school earlier this month. The government subsequently suspended the use of a specific type of these devices.
Authorities estimated that approximately 161,500 people participated in Tuesday's rallies nationwide, with 41,500 taking to the streets of Paris. However, unions presented a significantly higher figure, claiming around 480,000 demonstrators across the country.
The student protest movement, which began with school blockades in Paris's suburbs in mid-September before spreading rapidly, addresses grievances such as teacher shortages, inadequate facilities, and overcrowded classrooms. While many protesters advocate for peaceful demonstrations, some on the fringes of Tuesday's clashes argued that violence could be a legitimate response to perceived police brutality.
One protester stated, "This is the education system rising up, students and teachers. There is absolutely no response, no willingness to engage with our demands. All we get from the police is violence, so there’s violence in response too, because no one is listening to us." This individual also suggested that the destruction of shop windows or setting bins alight was not a significant issue, believing insurance would cover the damages.
Another protester acknowledged that "masked individuals" had thrown objects, including stones, at the police but criticized the use of tear gas as disproportionate, recounting, "I just experienced tear gas and it ripped my eyes out."
Rights groups have voiced concerns over police conduct, accusing them of using excessive force. Anne Savinel-Barras, president of Amnesty International France, urged authorities to prioritize the safety of young demonstrators. "Authorities must ensure their safety and security and protect and facilitate the exercise of their right to demonstrate peacefully," she said, adding that "Any policing response must be lawful, necessary and proportionate, and authorities must avoid unnecessary and excessive use of force."
Conversely, Stanislas Gaudon, national secretary for Alliance Police Nationale, a major French police union, previously emphasized the police's focus on maintaining security around schools. He stated that the use of force is a matter of proportionality and legitimacy, asserting that if force is used against individuals who attack officers, it is necessary for dispersal. Gaudon clarified, "I don't like using the term 'repression' or 'suppression' of student protests. That's not the issue. If there is no disturbance in the public space, then there is no legitimate use of force by law enforcement."
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg also made an appearance at a protest in Saint-Denis, in the northern suburbs of Paris, on Tuesday. Speaking outside a high school, Thunberg commented, "Young people are not being included in the conversation. Our future is being robbed away from us." She added, "As we've seen here, schools are not getting investment that they need. It just gives the signal to young people that you are not prioritised in our society."
Ahead of separate mass demonstrations scheduled for Saturday concerning the cost-of-living crisis and rising fuel prices, some participants expressed hope that the student movement would merge with a broader social movement. One protester remarked, "Anger which has been building up for years is coming together, and the student movement was the spark that lit the fuse. We’re here now, and we’ll see what happens on Saturday."
