Mass protests over education standards have spread across France, with thousands of students taking to the streets and disrupting more than 700 schools nationwide as clashes between demonstrators and riot police intensified.
Fires were lit in several cities and violent confrontations erupted as students protested against a shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school infrastructure. The unrest, which began in Paris last week, has since spread to other major cities including Montpellier, Nantes and Marseille.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said authorities arrested 1,747 people on Friday as police moved to contain the disturbances. He warned that the demonstrations were escalating beyond peaceful protests and increasingly resembled urban riots.
“We are sliding into riot and urban violence, and we are using all intermediate means to put an end to it,” Nuñez said during an appearance on French television.
According to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, approximately 735 of France’s 3,700 schools have been affected by the protests in one form or another. He said what began as demonstrations led by high school students had evolved into a broader public order challenge.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray argued that elements of the movement had been taken over by non-students. Speaking to French media, he said some teachers reported that many of the individuals participating in demonstrations outside schools were not enrolled at their institutions.
The unrest has also resulted in injuries. France’s education ministry said at least 65 staff members had been hurt during the protests, highlighting concerns over the growing violence surrounding the demonstrations.
In the northeastern city of Belfort, a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after a police officer was allegedly targeted during clashes. Video footage verified by media outlets showed a group of young men chasing the officer before he fell to the ground and was repeatedly punched and kicked.
Meanwhile, in the Paris suburb of Pantin, riot police charged protesters and carried out multiple arrests after projectiles were reportedly thrown at officers during confrontations.
The demonstrations have drawn national attention to long-standing concerns within France’s education system, including staffing shortages, crowded classrooms and aging facilities. While many students and educators have called for reforms and increased investment in schools, government officials have condemned the violence and vowed to restore order.
As protests continue across the country, authorities remain on high alert amid fears that further demonstrations could lead to additional disruptions in schools and public services.
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