Paris, France – French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal unveiled new measures aimed at addressing teenage violence in schools on Thursday. The government’s focus on improving security comes as the far-right National Rally gains momentum leading up to European elections.
In response to recent attacks on schoolchildren, including the tragic fatal beating of 15-year-old Shemseddine outside Paris, Attal emphasized the need for increased authority to combat the issue. He highlighted concerning statistics showing a rise in adolescent involvement in assault cases, drug trafficking, and armed robberies, with influences of extremism also on the rise.
One of the key measures introduced is the expansion of compulsory school attendance for children of college age to all days of the week, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Attal stressed the importance of children being in school to learn and work during the day.
These efforts to tackle teenage violence also aim to instill respect among students and reinforce the authority of the education system. Attal, who has been in office for 100 days since his appointment in January, is working to turn around the government’s fortunes under President Emmanuel Macron.
The announcement was made in Viry-Chatillon, the town where Shemseddine lost his life, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Attal’s stance on cracking down on violence is a response to criticism from the far-right party, which has accused the government of not doing enough to address security concerns.
As France grapples with the aftermath of these violent incidents, the government’s actions signal a commitment to ensuring the safety of students and restoring order in schools. The measures proposed by Attal reflect a broader effort to address societal issues impacting youth and reinforce the importance of education in shaping future generations.