In brief
Thousands of French students have shut down over 560 schools nationwide, demanding better staffing and safer learning environments. The protests—originating in Paris—have spread to major cities such as Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille, drawing law‑enforcement responses including tear gas and arrests. While students cite rapid school hours and inadequate infrastructure as key grievances, government officials label the movement as a public order disturbance, citing the intervention of non‑students and violent acts. Union leaders back the protesters, urging restraint, while parents fear escalating violence. The unrest comes just months before the next presidential election, adding political stakes to the clash.
In a wave of student‑led demonstrations, more than 560 public schools were closed across France on Friday, as students demanded better staffing, shorter hours, and improved facilities. The protests began in Paris last week and spread to major cities including Montpellier, Nantes and Marseille, leading to clashes with riot police.
Police recorded at least 65 staff injuries and used tear gas in Strasbourg after fears that the protests would turn violent. Youth activists claim that police actions aggravate their anger, with 16‑year‑old Lola saying she felt "even angrier" after being hit by a police baton.
A 17‑year‑old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in Belfort after a police officer was targeted. The Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin warned that the protests had "gone from high‑school student demonstrations to a public order disturbance" and urged parents to take responsibility for damage caused by their children.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray accused the movement of being hijacked by non‑students and stressed that the demonstrations were not representative of the student body. He told BFMTV that teachers had told him "the people in front of me were not my students".
Unions such as the Education Federation SNEP‑FSU, public services union SNUEP‑FSU and Solidaires have publicly supported the demonstrators, calling for restraint: "Secondary school pupils have the freedom of assembly, association and demonstration," Solidaires said.
The protests arrive at a critical time, with France’s President Emmanuel Macron facing the next election six months away and budget cuts threatening to further reduce education funding. Parent groups fear their children will remain entangled in a cycle of violence and uncertainty.
