🏛️🔪 Government intensifies school security amid rising knife incidents

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The French government is intensifying school security measures following the interception of 525 students with knives between March and December 2025. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called for a 'shock of authority' to address rising youth violence, while Minister of National Education Édouard Geffray announced continued bag checks and strict disciplinary actions. Additionally, Nuñez questioned the legal protections for minors involved in serious crimes, suggesting a need for reevaluation of existing laws. The government plans to convene officials to discuss further safety measures.

Key points

• 525 students found with knives in schools from March to December 2025.
• Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez calls for a 'shock of authority' to combat youth violence.
• 1,500 monthly bag checks will continue to deter knife possession in schools.
• Ministers question the legal protections for minors involved in serious crimes.

Links

• BFMTV: Violences chez les jeunes: "L'excuse de minorité pose question et interpelle", affirme le ministre de l'Intérieur Laurent Nuñez
• BFMTV: "Il y a besoin d'un choc d'autorité": Laurent Nuñez pointe "une montée de la violence chez les jeunes" en...
• BFMTV: 9 CRS jugés pour avoir matraqué des gilets jaunes dans un fast-food en 2018
• BFMTV: Laurent Nuñez souhaite "une meilleure régulation des visas, avoir une immigration mieux contrôlée, mieux pilotée, mieux choisie"
• BFMTV: Les retours des ressortissants algériens frappés par une OQTF n'ont pas repris "pour l'instant" mais "on y arrivera", déclare Laurent Nuñez
• BFMTV: 525 élèves ont été contrôlés avec un couteau devant un établissement scolaire entre mars et décembre 2025
• Le Figaro: Face à la délinquance des jeunes, il faut «poser la question» d’une suppression de l’excuse de minorité, estime Laurent Nuñez

Facts

• 525 students found with knives in schools from March to December 2025.
• 1,500 bag checks conducted monthly at school premises.
• 1,600 disciplinary hearings related to weapon possession held in the same period.
• Nuñez's comments made on February 9, 2026.
• Constitutional Council struck down a law aimed at toughening juvenile justice in June 2025.

Quotes

• We need a shock of authority — Laurent Nuñez
• A directive of absolute firmness — Édouard Geffray
• The excuse de minorité raises questions and gives cause for concern — Laurent Nuñez

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