Student-led protests against deteriorating educational conditions have erupted across France, leading to confrontations with riot police as demonstrators disrupted over 700 schools on Friday. The unrest, which began in Paris, has now spread to cities such as Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille. Students are voicing their discontent over issues like teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated school buildings.
Escalating Tensions
The demonstrations, which initially started as peaceful protests, have escalated into significant public disturbances. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin expressed concern, noting that the situation has escalated from student protests to broader public order issues.
In Belfort, a 17-year-old was detained on suspicion of attempted homicide after an incident involving a police officer. Verified footage shows a group of young men attacking the officer near a school, resulting in severe injuries to the officer. Throughout the country, at least 65 education staff members have been injured in the unrest, according to the education ministry.
Police and Protester Clashes
In the Paris suburb of Pantin, police clashed with protesters, making several arrests after projectiles were thrown. Meanwhile, in Strasbourg, tear gas was used by police to control the situation, fearing an escalation of violence. In cities like Rennes and Paris, protesters set fire to rubbish bins, further intensifying the chaos.
Protesters like Lola, a 16-year-old student, expressed frustration with the police response, arguing that it only fuels their anger. “They have no right to hit us or use tear gas,” she told the AFP news agency.
Impact on Schools and Government Response
The protests have caused “significant damage” to school facilities, including the Nelson Mandela high school in Nantes, which suffered over €2 million in damages due to fires. The blockades and protests have raised concerns among parents, some of whom worry about their children’s involvement in the unrest.
With the presidential election looming, these protests present a challenge for French President Emmanuel Macron, especially as planned budget cuts threaten to reduce education funding. Education Minister Édouard Geffray suggested that the protests may have been infiltrated by non-students, complicating the situation further.
Support for Protesting Students
Despite the unrest, student protesters have received backing from various French unions, including the education union SNEP-FSU and public services union SNUEP-FSU. Solidaires Trade Union Federation also voiced support, emphasizing the rights of secondary school pupils to assemble and demonstrate.
Justice Minister Darmanin has called for parents to be held accountable for any damage caused by their children, urging them to pay for repairs. Since the protests began, approximately 2,000 individuals, mostly minors, have been taken into custody.
