Student protests over education conditions and funding have spread across France, with hundreds of high schools closed or disrupted and clashes with police reported in several cities.
The demonstrations began in the Paris region and expanded nationwide during the week. Students have raised concerns about overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, deteriorating school buildings and long school days.
France’s education ministry said about 400 high schools were closed on Friday, while hundreds more reported protests or disruptions. Reuters reported that authorities had arrested around 5,000 people since Monday, most of them teenagers.
The protests have also included fires, barricades and clashes with riot police. Tear gas was used in Strasbourg, while fireworks were directed towards police in Marseille. Fires were reported near schools in parts of the country.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said 65 education staff had been injured during the unrest, including 40 school principals. Several students have also been injured.
Student groups say years of underinvestment have contributed to difficult conditions, including crowded classrooms, staff shortages and buildings in poor repair. Some students have also raised concerns about university applications and classrooms becoming excessively hot during heatwaves.
The government has acknowledged that some of the students’ grievances are legitimate but has condemned acts of violence and property damage. Officials have also urged parents to prevent children from taking part in violent protests.
Under the government’s proposed 2027 budget, education spending is set to rise by 1.7% to €65.53 billion, excluding teacher pensions. Reuters reported that the proposed increase would be below the rate of inflation.
Police conduct has also become part of the dispute. Rights groups and protesters have raised allegations of excessive force, while French authorities have opened investigations into several incidents involving minors.
French intelligence agencies told a government crisis meeting that politicians from the hard-left France Unbowed party had helped initiate the protest movement, according to a person close to the prime minister cited by Reuters. France Unbowed lawmakers rejected the allegation and accused the government of politicising the protests.
The protests come as France prepares for its 2027 presidential election and faces wider disputes over public spending and the government’s budget plans. Student demonstrations are expected to continue, while teacher unions have called for industrial action next week.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities balancing demands over education conditions against concerns about violence, school safety and disruption to students and staff.
