More than 1,700 people have been arrested across France as riot police clashed with students protesting over deteriorating education standards. The demonstrations, which began in Paris last week, have rapidly spread to cities including Montpellier, Nantes, Marseille, Toulouse, and Brest, disrupting 735 of the country's 3,700 schools.
On Friday alone, police detained 1,747 individuals, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. Speaking to France's TF1 television network, Nuñez warned, "We are sliding into riot and urban violence, and we are using all intermediate means to put an end to it." Meanwhile, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that the situation had "gone from high-school student demonstrations to a public order disturbance." In response to the widespread destruction, Darmanin announced that prosecutors have been asked to hold parents liable for damage caused by their children and force them to "pay for repairs."
The unrest is fueled by anger over planned budget cuts that will impact education funding. Students are protesting against a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and run-down buildings. They also complain that school hours are too long, classrooms are too hot, and too many staff members are off work. The timing is particularly critical for French President Emmanuel Macron, coming just six months before next year's presidential election.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray suggested the movement has been hijacked by non-students. He told the French broadcaster BFMTV that teachers reported, "the people in front of me were not my students."
The protests have turned increasingly violent, resulting in significant damage and injuries. The education ministry reported that at least 65 staff members have been injured. In Belfort, in north-eastern France, a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after targeting a police officer. Two authenticated graphic videos of the incident show the officer being chased by a group of young men, falling to the ground, and being punched and kicked multiple times in the head.
In Toulouse, riot police apprehended a protester during clashes outside a school, while in the Paris suburb of Pantin, police charged at demonstrators and made arrests after projectiles were thrown. In Strasbourg, police deployed tear gas over fears that conditions would become more hostile, according to the Reuters news agency. Rubbish bins were set alight in Rennes and Paris, while firefighters in Aubervilliers worked to extinguish burning barricades. Protesting students also established a blockade in Brest, where a fire blazed in the street.
School facilities have sustained "significant damage," with attacks targeting gates, entrances, and fences. In Nantes, the regional government reported that the Nelson Mandela high school suffered more than €2 million (£1.7 million) in damage after a fire destroyed its glass entrance and affected areas inside. Police have seized several dangerous items from demonstrators, including petrol bombs, an axe, and mortar fireworks.
Despite the clashes, many students remain defiant. Lola, a 16-year-old protester, told the AFP news agency on Friday, "As far as we're concerned, we've won – our school is closed this morning." She added that police tactics were making demonstrators "even angrier," saying, "the police have no right to hit us or use tear gas on us."
The escalating violence has left parents deeply worried. Outside the Claude Monet school in southern Paris, 53-year-old Anya was searching for her son. "We banned him from coming. I hope he isn't here, but he did leave the house," she told AFP. "We're afraid the situation might escalate."
Many French unions have expressed solidarity with the students. The education union SNEP-FSU, the public services union SNUEP-FSU, and the Solidaires Trade Union Federation have all urged members to support the demonstrations. In a statement, Solidaires declared, "Let's not let them fire on our children. Secondary school pupils have the freedom of assembly, association and demonstration."
Related Articles
Meet Md. Rubel Rana
​As a core contributor to Worlddincidents.com, Rubel Rana brings a unique perspective to the world of journalism. Whether it’s deep-diving into historical trivia or covering the latest global headlines, Rubel Rana is committed to delivering high-quality, high-impact articles. Their writing blends meticulous research with a compelling voice, helping readers stay informed and curious about the world around them.