“Too many bladed weapons are circulating among young people”: Elisabeth Borne announces tougher sanctions against students in possession of a knife

The Minister of National Education plans to strengthen the Education Code to combat the presence of bladed weapons in schools

On Tuesday afternoon, in Bagneux (Hauts-de-Seine), a 17-year-old first-year student at the Saint-Gabriel school was seriously injured by a stab wound to the abdomen. He was initially hospitalized in critical condition, then out of danger. The reasons for this attack remain unknown for the time being, but two suspects have been arrested. According to a witness, an argument between five students was the cause of the altercation.

How was a bladed weapon able to enter the school grounds ? The question particularly worries Élisabeth Borne, Minister of National Education. In an interview with Ouest-France on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the former Prime Minister claims to have already spoken with Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior, and Gérald Darmanin, Minister of Justice, on this issue.

A problem that goes beyond the school

For Élisabeth Borne, the problem goes beyond the school: “Too many bladed weapons are circulating among young people. It's a problem that we face daily”. Faced with this alarming situation, the minister intends to react quickly by amending the Education Code by decree.

“Within establishments, any carrying of a bladed weapon must result in a systematic appearance before a disciplinary council and a report to the prosecutor via Article 40”, she announced. “We must not let anything go!”

Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires any public authority having knowledge of a crime or offence to inform the public prosecutor without delay and to transmit to him the elements relating to the case.