France Gripped by Youth Riots: Schools Torched, Staff Injured Amidst Growing Protests

France is experiencing widespread unrest as high school students engage in violent protests across the nation, leading to school closures, injuries, and significant property damage. The demonstrations, which began this week, are fueled by student grievances over long school hours, inadequate facilities, and staff shortages. The government has acknowledged the legitimacy of some complaints but strongly condemned the escalating violence.

Reports indicate that at least 65 staff members, including 40 high school principals, have been injured since the protests began. Authorities have arrested over 2,000 individuals, with approximately two-thirds placed in police custody, and up to 90% of those arrested are believed to be minors. In Yvelines alone, 82 arrests were reported early this morning.

Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that an "active and violent minority" is involved in the protests, and expressed uncertainty whether all participants are actual high school students. Intelligence agencies suggest that the movement may have been initiated by politicians from the hard-left, including members of La France Insoumise (LFI).

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent LFI figure, urged students to remain "cool-headed" and use only non-violent methods. However, these calls appear to have been largely ignored. Videos have emerged showing disturbing incidents, including one in Besançon where a crowd watched as a teenage male allegedly attacked a woman. According to a local source, the altercation began after the woman objected to the use of firecrackers and damage to property.

Unverified videos have also purportedly shown male students assaulting female education staff and members of the public being targeted with makeshift flamethrowers. In response to the unrest, up to 400 schools nationwide are closed, with many others opting for remote learning, particularly in Marseille. In Paris, two high schools have been set ablaze.

Firefighters responded to a fire at the Léonard de Vinci high school in the 15th arrondissement, where flames were seen at the base of the entrance gate. In the 13th arrondissement, the entrance to a vocational high school was damaged by fire, which reportedly spread from bicycles and trash cans. Clashes have also occurred in Strasbourg and Aubervilliers, where riot police deployed tear gas.

Education Minister Edouard Geffray urged parents to ensure their children do not participate in the protests, emphasizing the danger they face. He is scheduled to meet with education unions, parents' associations, and student groups. The Justice Minister has also proposed holding parents liable for damages caused by their children during the protests.

The LFI has criticized the proposal to hold parents liable as an "absurd measure." Meanwhile, calls have been made for an investigation into LFI's alleged role in inciting violence, with former minister Bruno Le Maire demanding a parliamentary inquiry.