Why Is Crowd Control at French Protests So Controversial?
Hundreds of police officers and protesters have been injured during recent student demonstrations in France. Critics blame confrontational policing tactics and the use of weapons, while provocations by protesters have also played a role. Teachers report that many violent individuals were not students at the schools involved. France’s approach raises questions about how protests should be managed across Europe.
More from Season 1
Episode 1
Why do Hungary’s elections matter to us?
After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán’s government controls much of the media, pressures the judiciary and strains EU relations - Hungary’s parliamentary vote could end his rule, and its outcome matters for European democracy, rule of law and the EU’s future cohesion.
Episode 2
Why does the fight of Brazil’s Indigenous peoples matter to us?
Millions of Indigenous people protect the Amazon, a crucial global carbon sink threatened by mining, oil and agribusiness - their protests to defend land rights and ecosystems have direct consequences for climate, biodiversity and global environmental stability.
Episode 3
Why are so many migrants dying in the Channel?
Many risk the Channel crossing in flimsy boats to reach the UK for safety, work or family ties; overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels, smuggling networks and hazardous sea conditions turn attempts deadly despite tight coastal surveillance.
Episode 4
Why is Israel attacking Lebanon?
Israeli forces have advanced into southern Lebanon, encircling villages and displacing civilians while parallel talks seek a ceasefire - tensions center on Hezbollah, whose presence and cross‑border attacks drive Israel’s operations and complicate negotiations.
Episode 5
Has Trump crossed the line with the Church?
President Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself in a Christ-like pose on his official account and then clashed with the Pope - even many of his largely Christian supporters found the stunt offensive.
Episode 6
Why are there so few women coaches in football?
In Germany Union Berlin appointed Marie-Louisa Eta as head coach - the first woman in the Bundesliga - highlighting a persistent gender gap across major European leagues where managerial roles remain overwhelmingly male.
