Riot police have clashed with protesters in France as thousands of students demonstrated over education standards, disrupting more than 700 schools. The protests, which began in the capital Paris, have spread across the country, affecting cities including Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille. High school pupils and others have objected to a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and run-down buildings. Fires have burned in the streets as protesters express their grievances.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that 1,747 people were arrested during the protests, with many incidents of violence reported. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that the situation had escalated from high-school student demonstrations to a public order disturbance. According to Darmanin, 735 of France's 3,700 schools were affected by the violent protests. The government has deployed police to maintain order, with tear gas used in some areas.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray claimed that the movement had been hijacked by non-students. He stated that teachers had reported that the people protesting in front of them were not their students. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after protests in Belfort, north-eastern France, where a police officer was targeted. The officer was beaten up by a group of young men, with graphic footage showing him being chased, punched, and kicked.
At least 65 staff members have been injured in the unrest, according to the education ministry. In the Paris suburb of Pantin, police charged at protesters and made arrests after projectiles were thrown at officers. In Strasbourg, tear gas was deployed as police feared conditions would become more hostile. Rubbish bins have also been set on fire in Rennes and Paris, with significant damage reported to school facilities.
A 16-year-old protester, Lola, told the AFP news agency that police actions had made things worse. She stated that police had no right to hit them or use tear gas on them. Police have published pictures of items seized from demonstrators, including petrol bombs, an axe, and so-called mortar fireworks. The government has condemned the violence, with Nuñez stating that they are using all intermediate means to put an end to it.
The protests have caused significant disruption to education in France, with many schools affected by the blockades and demonstrations. Nelson Mandela high school in Nantes suffered more than €2m (£1.7m) damage, according to the regional government, after fire destroyed its glass entrance and some areas inside the school. The education ministry has reported that significant damage has been done to school facilities, including attacks on school gates, entrances, and fences.
The situation remains volatile, with protests continuing to spread across France. The government has urged calm and called for an end to the violence. As the protests enter their second week, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what impact it will have on education in France. The government has promised to address the concerns of students and teachers, but it is unclear what concessions will be made.
Key points
- Over 1,747 people arrested during the protests in France.
- More than 700 schools disrupted by the protests.
- At least 65 staff members injured in the unrest.
