Student protests over deteriorating conditions in France’s education system have escalated, with hundreds of schools affected by blockades, clashes and acts of vandalism across the country.
The demonstrations, which began in the Paris region about 10 days ago, have spread nationwide as high school students demand more teachers, improved school facilities and greater investment in education.
France’s Education Minister Édouard Geffray said more than 400 schools and other educational establishments were expected to remain closed on Friday as authorities responded to the unrest.
The Education Ministry said more than 1,000 high schools had been affected by protests or strikes on Thursday, including 222 that were blockaded.
Students have cited overcrowded classrooms, shortages of teachers, inadequate learning materials and deteriorating school buildings among their grievances. Some have also complained about long school hours, the pressure surrounding university applications and difficult conditions during periods of extreme heat.
The protests have, however, been accompanied by incidents of violence in several cities. Fires were reported at schools, while clashes between protesters and police occurred in places including Paris, Toulouse, Strasbourg and Lyon.
According to Reuters, police had made hundreds of arrests as the demonstrations intensified, while authorities reported injuries among police officers and education workers.
The government has condemned attacks and vandalism while acknowledging that some of the students’ concerns about the education system are legitimate. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has convened discussions with officials as the government seeks to contain the unrest.
There have also been allegations of excessive police force against protesters. Authorities have launched investigations into some incidents involving minors, while the government maintains that law enforcement is responding to escalating violence and threats to public order.
The protests are expected to continue, with student groups and unions calling for further mobilisation in the coming days as negotiations over education conditions continue.
