On Friday, the French government called on the country’s universities to “prevent any risk of unrest” before October 7, and “strongly” condemned recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Paris.
In a message sent to presidents of universities and higher education establishments, France’s new Minister of Higher Education, Patrick Hetzel, emphasized their responsibility to “maintain order”.
In particular, he reminded them that they are “by virtue of the law, responsible for the maintenance of order and security within the institution’s premises” and that it is up to them “to use (their) police powers to prevent any risk of disorder”, “re-establish order” and “protect users and staff”, according to a text reviewed by AFP.
The message also instructed them to report to the courts any “facts (…) that appear sufficiently established and of a nature to constitute a crime or misdemeanor”.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place on Tuesday and Thursday in front of Sciences Po Paris, bringing together around 100 people on Tuesday, according to the school.
A demonstration also took place on Thursday on the premises of Inalco (Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales) in Paris, according to the ministry.
In a statement, Mr. Hetzel said he “strongly condemns these actions, which run counter to the principles of neutrality and secularity of the public higher education service”. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon described the demonstrations at Sciences Po Paris on Friday as “inadmissible”, and called on the new management to “assume its responsibilities”.
Following months of crisis, the Parisian grande école appointed a new director, Franco-Uruguayan diplomat Luis Vassy, at the end of September. He is a former comrade of President Emmanuel Macron.
“I hope he will bring about a change of culture at the school,” said Ms. Bregeon.
With AFP
