France has suspended the use of stun grenades by police during student protests following allegations of excessive force. The decision comes amid heightened tensions as demonstrations continue over education funding. President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne convened an emergency meeting to address the growing unrest.
The French government announced the suspension of stun grenade deployment in response to public outcry over police tactics. Reports indicate that protesters have been increasingly confrontational, with clashes turning violent in several cities. Over 250,000 people participated in nationwide demonstrations, demanding increased government spending on education.
The protests, which began in late August, have seen police use tear gas and make over 500 arrests. In Paris, riot police fired tear gas as crowds gathered outside government buildings. The use of force has sparked debate, with critics accusing authorities of escalating the situation.
This is not the first time France has faced large-scale student protests. Similar demonstrations occurred in 2022 over tuition fees and public service cuts. The current unrest follows a series of budget proposals that have been criticized for failing to address rising living costs.
The government has pledged to review its approach to managing protests, but no immediate changes to the broader education funding debate have been announced. As the situation evolves, the balance between public safety and civil liberties remains a key concern.
