Reasons Behind Heavy Police Intervention in France's Protest and Security Culture

The frequent use of intense physical force and intermediate weapons by police during demonstrations in France, such as tear gas, batons, and stun grenades, is explained by the country's historical state structure and security culture.

French police policies are rooted in Napoleon's centralized state structure and the political philosophy of the Republic. While in countries like the UK police are seen as public servants, in France they act as an instrument of the state, with their primary mission being to protect the state, enforce laws, and maintain public order. This leads demonstrations and public unrest to be viewed as a challenge to the authority of the republic, causing police to focus on regaining control of the streets rather than negotiating.

According to data from the conflict monitoring organization Acled, while France does not have the highest number of demonstrations in Western Europe, it consistently ranks first in high-intensity unrest rates such as street barricades, vandalism, and clashes with police. While international human rights organizations and bodies like the Council have directed criticisms over excessive force and ammunition use, a bill aimed at granting police the presumption of self-defense in the use of firearms was protested by thousands of people last month.