On Friday, October 2, 2026, at 6:15 PM, Pierre Regnault de la Mothe, the prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales region in southern France, issued a press release addressing recent unrest involving high school students. He emphasized that the role of the police and gendarmerie is to protect the right to peaceful protest, allowing those who wish to express their views to do so safely. Regnault de la Mothe acknowledged that the concerns raised by the students are valid and should be heard. He announced that he would join the academic director of the National Education services in attending upcoming student council meetings to discuss these issues. However, he strongly condemned the violence that occurred during recent demonstrations. Law enforcement reported that five officers were injured after being struck by projectiles, including Molotov cocktails, while students were also hurt by these objects. Property damage, including broken bus shelters, and instances of theft were also reported. Authorities have arrested 28 individuals linked to these incidents. The prefect expressed his support for the police and firefighters, praising their efforts to ensure that demonstrations can take place without endangering people or property. He reiterated his condemnation of the violence and warned that those responsible—both students and their parents—could face disciplinary or criminal consequences. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between student activism and public safety, as authorities strive to balance the right to protest with the need to prevent harm. The prefect's statement reflects a broader effort to address the students' grievances while holding individuals accountable for unlawful actions.