French PM rebuffs left-wing demands at Matignon security meeting

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu refused to address social demands during a Thursday meeting on public order, leaving left-wing leaders disappointed and angry. The government prioritizes restoring public order before considering protesters' grievances. Left-wing figures criticized the meeting as a waste of time. Manuel Bompard (LFI) said the PM never discussed protesters' demands, while Marine Tondelier (Ecologists) warned that delaying responses will worsen the situation. Raphaël Glucksmann and Fabien Roussel echoed these concerns. The government insists on distinguishing peaceful protesters from violent offenders, with spokesperson Maud Bregeon stating that calm is a prerequisite for dialogue. The RN expressed confidence about security for its upcoming congress, while Horizons' Christophe Béchu stressed the need to condemn violence first.