PARIS: France has suspended police use of stun grenades during student protests after a 15-year-old boy lost his hand in a clash with riot police in northern France. The incident has intensified criticism of the government’s handling of a nationwide student movement demanding more funding, better school infrastructure and an end to staff shortages.
More than 266,000 people took part in demonstrations across the country on October 6, according to official figures, while hundreds were detained. The protests, which began in September around Paris, have spread to hundreds of schools and attracted support from teachers, parents and unions.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised dialogue and measures to address students’ concerns, but demonstrators say immediate action is needed. The unrest comes just months before France’s next presidential election, adding a political dimension to the growing education crisis