France Suspends Stun Grenades as Student Protests Continue

Overview

• The government halted use of impact or stun grenades in high‑school protests after a 15‑year‑old in Lens lost his hand and other students suffered severe injuries.
• The police watchdog IGPN has opened 18 investigations into force used at demonstrations and prosecutors launched a separate attempted‑homicide probe in Belfort over an alleged arrest injury.
• A major day of mobilisation on Tuesday drew an estimated 266,000 people nationwide and left hundreds of schools blocked or temporarily closed as students, teachers and unions pressed for more staff and better facilities.
• Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordered ministers to produce concrete, fully financed measures by the end of October, including a short‑term plan to secure substitute teachers, but officials gave few budget details.
• The protests have spread beyond France to Belgium, sharpened political divisions ahead of the 2027 presidential race, and left daily school life disrupted for pupils who face overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating buildings.