French Government Moves to Restrict Political Meetings at Universities Following Quentin Deranque's Death

The French government has announced new measures restricting political meetings at universities in response to the death of nationalist activist Quentin Deranque during a violent street confrontation in Lyon. Philippe Baptiste, Minister of Higher Education, stated on February 17, 2026, that political meetings would be banned at universities where there is a risk of public disorder. This policy shift aims to curb escalating political violence on campuses and prevent further clashes.

Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right militant, was attacked by masked individuals during a protest against a conference organized by La France Insoumise (LFI) MEP Rima Hassan. The incident sparked a sharp political debate, with critics accusing LFI of fostering a climate of political violence due to its associations with antifascist groups, notably La Jeune Garde.

Minister Baptiste emphasized that university presidents hold the authority to prohibit meetings that could disrupt public order. He has sent a circular to prefects, rectors, and university presidents reiterating their responsibility to evaluate the risks involved in hosting political events. This circular, co-signed by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, outlines existing criteria for granting access to university facilities and stresses balancing academic freedom with maintaining public safety.

The decision faces criticism from various political figures and student groups concerned about potential infringements on freedom of expression and university autonomy. Socialist senator David Ros and senator François-Noël Buffet warned that an overly cautious approach could stifle political discourse on campuses. Manuel Bompard of LFI and the student union Unef described the measures as threatening democratic debate, arguing that restrictions should not depend on the threat posed by extremist groups.

Previous legal disputes over political events involving Rima Hassan, such as those at Sciences Po Paris and Paris-Dauphine, illustrate the complexities universities face when balancing these competing interests. The government's recent actions, intensified by Deranque's death, signal a push for stricter control of political activities in higher education institutions to prevent further violence.

Overall, the government seeks to navigate the delicate balance between safeguarding freedom of speech and ensuring campus security amid rising political tensions. The measures mark a significant response to the unrest surrounding Quentin Deranque while igniting debate over the limits of political engagement in French universities.