France Bans Stun Grenades After 1 Teen Loses Hand, Pledges €64 Billion Schools Budget
Updated
Updated · CNN · Oct 7
France Bans Stun Grenades After 1 Teen Loses Hand, Pledges €64 Billion Schools Budget
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Oct 7
Summary
France barred police from using the stun grenades tied to a teenager’s hand injury and told officers to show more “proportionality” toward student protesters after an emergency government meeting.
18 police-conduct investigations are now examining officers’ actions, while Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu promised a school “internal democracy” period and said parliament would debate a €64 billion education budget on Nov. 12.
224 high schools were closed Thursday, down 30% from Wednesday, but student anger persisted after 488 detentions on Tuesday and unions called new protests for Oct. 17 alongside teacher strike action.
Student groups say the government still has not met core demands for more teachers, smaller classes, climate-adapted buildings and a €10 billion investment, raising doubts that consultation alone can end the crisis.
Macron’s outreach echoes the 2019 Yellow Vests listening campaign, and officials fear the school protests could harden into a broader, leaderless national movement.
As stun grenades sever limbs and schools burn, will France's promise to investigate police tactics actually end the violent cycle of youth protests?
With thousands arrested and severe mutilations occurring, what hidden systemic failures are driving French students to risk their lives over school conditions?
How did a simple demand for better classrooms escalate into an explosive nationwide crisis with hundreds of thousands clashing against armed riot police?