French Left Condemns Police Crowd-Control Doctrine After October 17 Protests

French left-wing politicians condemned the police's crowd-control doctrine after violence erupted during October 17 protests, while right-wing figures blamed France Insoumise for inciting chaos. The mobilization saw clashes in multiple cities, including Paris and Lens. In Paris, police used disencirclement grenades at Place de la République, while in Lens a minor lost his hand. Saint-Denis mayor Bally Bagayoko blamed President Emmanuel Macron and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez for escalating tensions. Green leader Marine Tondelier demanded a review of the doctrine, calling it a threat to public liberties. Right-wing candidates Bruno Retailleau and Marine Le Pen defended police and accused Jean-Luc Mélenchon's party of legitimizing violence. Mélenchon, marching in the protest, criticized the police strategy as "lamentable" and accused the prefect of organizing disorder, while noting most demonstrations remained peaceful.