Paris Police Chief Declares Student Protests Out of Control

Patrice Faure, the Paris police chief, declared that the student protest movement spreading throughout France has now become "out of control." He urged demonstrators to revert to peaceful tactics while warning that authorities would respond firmly to any acts of violence or vandalism.

Faure's Warning on Social Media

In a message posted on the X platform ahead of new protests scheduled to begin next Tuesday, Faure noted that those who initiated the movement no longer held command over it. He called on students to abandon school blockades, cease rioting, and adopt non-violent forms of protest.

"It is time to return to peaceful action," Faure wrote. He emphasized that parents also bear responsibility for keeping their children away from what he described as the influence of "professional agitators" and their supporters.

Clashes and Union Strikes

Riot police engaged in clashes with secondary school students across various parts of France. Teachers' unions have called for strikes as the government of President Emmanuel Macron struggles to contain protests that are growing increasingly violent due to conditions in classrooms and funding issues.