Casablanca – France’s prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, is expected to address the country this evening from Matignon, as the government faces mounting pressure over the treatment of minors during the demonstrations.
Lecornu met Macron yesterday evening along with Nuñez and Education Minister Édouard Geffray. The meeting came after a day in which the Interior Ministry estimated 266,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide, including 56,000 in Paris. Student organizations put the figure at 450,000, including 100,000 in Paris.
According to French media, Macron’s discussions with ministers focused on the government response, with an emphasis on proportional policing, dialogue with students and their representatives, and addressing the unrest while maintaining public order.
The numbers behind the movement have added to the pressure. Since the protests began, 215 students have been injured, alongside 85 education workers and 715 police officers and gendarmes, according to figures cited by Lecornu.
The injury cases include a 14-year-old who suffered a double jaw fracture in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône, a 16-year-old in Tours who suffered an eye injury compatible with an LBD projectile, and a 15-year-old in Lens whose hand was amputated.
Read also: France Suspends Stun Grenade Use in High School protests After Teen Loses Hand
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced today that police will suspend the use of stun grenades during high-school protests while authorities investigate the serious injury of the 15-year-old in Lens.
Nuñez said there was a strong possibility that the grenade was responsible and that 18 investigations have now been referred to the Inspectorate General of the National Police.
The Justice Ministry said 5,060 people had been placed in police custody by Monday, including 4,406 minors. Of those detained, 1,802 people faced prosecution, including 1,483 minors.
Overall, the Interior Ministry counted 6,547 arrests or interpellations since September 28. Tuesday alone saw 488 interpellations, while 43 members of the security forces were injured.
Student and university organizations have already called for a fourth day of mobilization on Thursday, October 8, urging protesters to continue blockades and demonstrations in Paris and other cities. The Union syndicale lycéenne and Union étudiante are backing the call, while the CGT trade union has also said it will mobilize alongside students.
