French PM Denies Ordering Repressive Police Action Amid Student Riots

Protests by tens of thousands of students across France have been marked by violence. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that he will not tolerate such violence.

“Burning school buildings does not improve the condition of school infrastructure. Attacking teachers does not help replace them,” Lecornuit told Parliament, as reported by AFP on Tuesday (6/10/2026).

Lecornu also denied claims that the government ordered repressive police action against demonstrators, calling such assertions “a lie.”

Thousands of people have been arrested and dozens others injured in recent days due to student protests involving the burning of objects outside schools and the throwing of projectiles at police.

However, the left-wing party, France Unbowed (LFI), and several human rights groups have accused the police of using disproportionate force against protesters, many of whom are minors.

Responding to incidents where several students were injured, Lecornu acknowledged that “accidents” could occur.

Nevertheless, Lecornu accused LFI—the largest left-wing party in Parliament—of having a political agenda to plunge the country into chaos ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He also announced that formal teaching and learning activities in high schools will be suspended for the remainder of the week. This measure aims to provide time for headteachers, teachers, and students to engage in “internal democracy” to discuss the situation within their respective schools.