The French government has instructed regional authorities to prohibit what it calls “political meetings” at universities when there is a proven risk to public order. The move follows the death of a far-right activist during a campus event earlier this year.
Minister Cites “Clear Risks” to Public Order
Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste announced Tuesday that he had sent a circular to prefects and rectors requesting they ban such gatherings. Baptiste pointed to “very clear risks” posed by political figures visiting campuses and specifically criticized what he termed “the violence of political discourse” from certain speakers.
The minister’s comments referenced the February death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, which occurred during clashes at a conference featuring French-Palestinian activist and European Parliament member Rima Hassan at Sciences Po Lyon.
Political Backlash and Accusations of Censorship
The proposed restrictions have drawn immediate criticism from left-wing politicians. Rima Hassan responded that the minister “wants to dictate which conferences and people students and institutions can host,” accusing him of exploiting the tragedy to advance censorship.
Manuel Bompard, coordinator of the left-wing France Unbowed party, rejected suggestions of moral responsibility for the incident. “It’s vile to try to make us bear moral responsibility. Does that mean I have blood on my hands? I have no responsibility, France Unbowed has no responsibility,” Bompard stated on French radio.
Legal Limitations and Historical Context
In practice, the government cannot directly ban university conferences, as this authority rests solely with university presidents. Presidents may consult with local prefectures to ensure security arrangements for events.
This debate has precedent in French universities. In 2024, Sciences Po Paris attempted to ban Rima Hassan from speaking during her European election campaign—a decision overturned by an administrative court. Similar controversies have occurred regarding visits by other political figures at universities in Lille and Toulouse.
The minister acknowledged the current patchwork approach, stating: “Public order disturbances have been proven in a brutal manner. This is no longer possible. We don’t want speeches that are intended to inflame young people, to put them in the street for violent interactions.”
While the circular signals increased government pressure, a complete ban on political conferences at French universities appears unlikely under current legal frameworks.
