Emmanuel Macron Accuses Political Forces of Exploiting Student Protests

President Emmanuel Macron stated that high school students participating in three weeks of nationwide protests are being "exploited" by political forces ahead of the April 2027 presidential election. While he acknowledged the students' grievances as "legitimate," Macron directed his government to develop concrete responses to the unrest within weeks.

Demonstrations have seen significant turnout, though figures vary. The interior ministry reported 161,500 participants in Tuesday's protests, while organizing unions claimed 480,000. The unrest has divided political leaders: far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined demonstrations in Paris, while far-right frontrunner Marine Le Pen supported the police and blamed students for the violence.

The protests have been marked by severe injuries and allegations of police brutality. In Lens, a 15-year-old student lost a hand, and in Tours, a 16-year-old was blinded. The interior ministry has opened 36 internal investigations into officer violence, while reporting that nearly 900 police officers have been injured during the clashes.