A 15-year-old student has lost a hand after picking up a police grenade during nationwide protests over conditions in French schools. The incident occurred on Monday in the northern town of Lens, according to authorities. The teenager was injured when a sting-ball grenade fired by riot police exploded in his hand. This incident highlights the risks faced by students during the protests.
The protests, which began on September 17 at a high school in the Paris suburb of Créteil, have spread across the country. Students are demonstrating over teacher shortages, overcrowded timetables, deteriorating classrooms and school buildings considered unsuitable for rising temperatures. More than 400 of France's 3,700 high schools were partially or completely closed on Monday, according to the Education Ministry.
Authorities said about one-third of the 468 high schools serving teenagers aged 15 to 17 in the Paris region were expected to be closed. Some students returned to classes on Monday, while others continued demonstrations outside their schools. In Paris, dozens of students gathered outside Turgot High School, with one sign reading, "We're missing our lessons to give you one."
The unrest has also been marked by vandalism and clashes with security forces. According to the education minister, 24 schools have been burned or ransacked since the protests began, while more than 5,000 people have been arrested, about 85 per cent of them minors. The protests have spread to various parts of the country, including Bordeaux and Lille.
In Bordeaux, some students resumed classes while others demonstrated in the presence of riot police. In Lille, masked protesters reportedly destroyed bus shelters and set fire to bins, prompting police to use tear gas. The French Human Rights League has accused security forces of using disproportionate methods against protesters, many of whom are underage.
The government has defended its response while accusing hard-left activists of taking over the protest movement. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced measures on Sunday to address teacher shortages, including prioritising the filling of long-term vacancies and unfilled positions. He is also due to meet regional leaders to discuss improvements to school infrastructure.
The government is additionally backing legislation that would make people responsible for damaging public property liable for repair costs. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said the proposal could raise questions about parental responsibility when minors are involved in vandalism. The protests come months before France's 2027 presidential election, which will determine President Emmanuel Macron's successor.
Key points
- A 15-year-old student lost a hand after picking up a police grenade during nationwide protests over conditions in French schools.
- More than 400 of France's 3,700 high schools were partially or completely closed on Monday due to the protests.
- The protests have resulted in over 5,000 arrests, with about 85 per cent of those arrested being minors.
