Laurent Nuñez Asserts He Will Not 'Renounce Any Intermediate Means' Such as Tear Gas and Grenades for Crowd Control

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez in Marseille on October 26, 2026. (Archive photo) - Aurelien Morissard © 2019 AFP

Questioned this Monday, November 2, by several lawmakers during a hearing on the Interior Ministry's 2027 budget before the National Assembly's Law Commission, Laurent Nuñez stated that he would not "renounce any intermediate means (grenades, tear gas...) for the simple and sound reason that police officers need to defend themselves when they come under attack" during demonstrations.

Lawmakers asked him to halt the use of grenades by law enforcement following serious injuries sustained by high school students during protest movements. In response to LFI deputy Gabrielle Cathala, who challenged the police's actions by calling them "repression", he retorted: "Repression does not exist (...). We are here to prevent breaches of public order."

"I am glad when a demonstration concludes without us having to resort to force," he further stated. "I believe everyone needs to regain some desire to live together over the next six months" leading up to the presidential election.

Laurent Nuñez Is "Unaware of the Harmful Nature of Tear Gas"

"I intervene when there is violence, and solely in that case," he insisted, pointing to "people (...) smashing shop windows, attacking law enforcement, and throwing Molotov cocktails."

Laurent Nuñez stated that he had "no knowledge of the harmful nature of tear gas, which is the standard intermediate weaponry," in response to questions regarding the effects of tear gas on women, some of whom reported menstrual disorders following demonstrations.

"In 2021–2022, a number of studies were conducted, and no adverse effects were observed; on the contrary, the effects subside very quickly," he continued.

"Therefore," the minister added, "I will not suspend the use of tear gas out of a precautionary principle."

BFMTV INFO. Death of a protester on October 17: the family of Christophe M. blames "tear gas" in a legal complaint against law enforcement

The Interior Minister will be questioned on Tuesday by the Law Commission as part of the commission of inquiry into his crowd control management on October 17. The mobilization day against the rising cost of living led to property damage, violence, and looting of unprecedented intensity.

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