Ulyanov criticises EU response to policing of French school protests

Russia’s representative to international organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, accused the European Union of failing to respond to French police actions against protesting school students. RIA Novosti reported his comments on October 10.

In a post on X, Ulyanov called the police response brutal and suggested that similar events in Russia would draw a different EU reaction. His statement was a political assessment. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova had previously criticised the French authorities on similar grounds.

School protests began in September over timetables, teacher shortages and education funding. University students, teachers and parents also joined. AP reported the use of tear gas and serious injuries to adolescents during some confrontations.

Le Monde, citing France’s Justice Ministry, reported that police detained 6,877 people between September 21 and October 8, with minors accounting for 86 percent. The French government defended its approach, emphasising proportionality, dialogue and violence at some demonstrations.