France High School Protests Escalate as Violence Spreads Nationwide, PM Calls Crisis Meeting

France’s nationwide high school protests have entered a more serious phase, with demonstrations and school blockades spreading well beyond the Paris region and violent incidents reported in several major cities.

French authorities said around 900 demonstrations, blockades and related incidents were taking place outside high schools on Thursday, with more than 160 schools shut down. Access was also disrupted at around 30 university campuses, including sites in Paris and Marseille.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis cabinet meeting and asked ministers to cancel planned travel so they could focus on the unrest. His office said the escalation was threatening the continuity of public education and putting students and staff at risk.

Students Protest School Conditions

The movement began with complaints about long school hours, overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and deteriorating infrastructure. Students have also raised concerns about extreme classroom temperatures during heatwaves and a lack of basic facilities.

In Strasbourg, one 17-year-old student described classrooms with around 35 pupils, insufficient toilets and water leaks. Similar complaints have emerged from schools in other parts of France.

The government has acknowledged that some of the concerns raised by students are legitimate, while condemning violence and damage to public property.

Arrests, Injuries and Fires

The Interior Ministry said nearly 3,000 high school students had been detained since the protests began, including 1,949 on Thursday. More than 300 police officers and dozens of firefighters, teachers and students have reportedly been injured.

Several cities witnessed clashes, fires and property damage. Waste bins were set alight in multiple locations, while authorities reported attempts to start fires inside schools in Marseille. A school in Nantes suffered extensive fire damage and is expected to remain closed for about a month.

Police have used riot-control measures as confrontations intensified. Authorities have also announced an internal investigation following allegations concerning the use of force against students.

Government and LFI Clash Over Protests

The protests have also become a political issue. Government officials have accused the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party of encouraging the demonstrations. LFI has rejected the accusation.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who is associated with the party’s 2027 presidential campaign, said LFI supports non-violent forms of protest and criticized what he described as excessive police action against young demonstrators.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray is due to meet student representatives and other education stakeholders as the government seeks to address both the security situation and the concerns behind the protests.

Key Takeaways

• Around 900 protest-related incidents were reported around French high schools.
• Nearly 3,000 students have been detained since the movement began, according to authorities.
• More than 300 police officers and others have reportedly been injured.
• Fires and property damage have been reported in several cities.
• Some schools are moving classes online because of security concerns.
• The government and France Unbowed disagree over the political role of the protests.