France suspends stun grenades at student protests as unrest persists

· Politics · France

France suspended police use of stun grenades at high school demonstrations after a 15-year-old boy lost a hand in a clash with riot police, the interior minister said. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu denied police were ordered to confront students and promised a plan by end-October to address grievances including staff shortages and dilapidated schools. At least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff have been injured, and more than 6,100 people have been arrested since protests began. The unrest coincides with market pressure on French bonds, with the IMF warning France to get its house in order.

Why it matters：The protests test the French government's ability to contain social unrest while reassuring bond markets already jittery about its deficit.

Key points

  • France suspended stun grenade use after a 15-year-old lost a hand.
  • At least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff were injured.
  • Over 6,100 people have been arrested since the protests began.

Sources (original reporting)

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