French PM denies police ordered to confront student protesters

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has denied allegations that police were ordered to confront protesting high school students. In a televised address, the prime minister assured that the government would present a plan to address students' concerns by the end of October. The protests, which have led to hundreds of injuries and over 6,500 arrests, have highlighted issues such as inadequate school facilities, long timetables, and extreme temperatures.

Rights groups, unions, and students have accused authorities of using excessive force, prompting the government to suspend the use of stun grenades in student-led demonstrations. Police have opened 18 internal investigations into misconduct allegations. Despite the suspension of stun grenades, student organizers called for fresh demonstrations, emphasizing the need for real action.