(Adnkronos) – While lessons resumed in most high schools yesterday, the main student organizations have again called for a new strong mobilization today. “We call for continuous mobilization. Blockades on October 7, demonstrations on October 8,” the student union announced on its social media, while the Union Syndicale Lycéenne declared its support for “all actions decided by students,” stating that “only victory will allow a return to calm.” Today, lessons are “totally or partially suspended” in 375 educational institutions out of the 3,700 present in the country, according to estimates from the Ministry of Education this morning.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu explained that “the anger of young people” involved in student demonstrations “does not come from nowhere.” “No one can remain indifferent to the anxieties they express,” he added, assuring that law enforcement “has no instructions to clash with students.” Regarding today’s “Act IV” (after “Act I” on September 29, “Act II” on October 1, and “Act III” on October 6), Sandrine Kharbach, spokesperson for the Student Union, promised an “important day of mobilization.”
The President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, has called for a de-escalation between high school students and law enforcement. The Epr deputy for Yvelines calls for “greater proportionality” and believes that law enforcement should distinguish, in their policing actions, between “black bloc protesters” and “high school students.” “I urge everyone to remain calm: high school students, who have the right to express themselves and block access, but I also urge the police to exercise moderation,” she declared to CNews/Europe 1. The police “are responsible for maintaining order and I am sure they are doing their best, but these are our children, minors. Most of the young people arrested have no criminal record.”
Regarding accusations of disproportionate use of force by the police against young people, the elected official acknowledged that “the doctrine of maintaining public order” could be “called into question.” Finally, Yaël Braun-Pivet welcomed the decision to remove stun grenades from police equipment. “It’s not about disarming the police,” she emphasized.
