France Faces Widespread School Disruptions Amid Student Protests
Riot police have clashed with students across France as protests over educational standards and teacher shortages escalate, leading to school closures, injuries, and arrests.
France is experiencing significant disruptions in its education system as student protests over standards and a lack of teachers intensify. Riot police have been deployed in several cities, leading to clashes with demonstrators. The education ministry reported that at least 65 staff members have been injured amid the unrest.
In the Paris suburb of Pantin, police charged at protesters and made arrests after officers were targeted with projectiles. Tear gas was used in Strasbourg as authorities anticipated escalating hostility, according to Reuters. In Rennes and Paris, rubbish bins were set on fire.
A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in Belfort, in north-eastern France, after a police officer was targeted on Friday. "As far as we're concerned, we've won - our school is closed this morning," a 16-year-old protester told AFP. She added that police actions had exacerbated anger among students, stating, "It makes us even angrier - the police have no right to hit us or use tear gas on us."
In Marseille, fireworks were thrown at police, and teachers were inadvertently splashed with petrol at a local school. Officials reported "significant damage" to school facilities. Nelson Mandela high school in Nantes sustained over €2 million (approximately $2.16 million) in damages, according to regional government figures.
More than 600 schools across France have faced disruption due to the ongoing protests. Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti has stated that prosecutors have been asked to hold parents liable for damages caused by their children and to seek compensation for repairs. Since the movement began, approximately 2,000 individuals, predominantly minors, have been taken into custody.
Several French unions have expressed support for the protesting students. The education union SNEP-FSU, public services union SNUEP-FSU, and Solidaires have all called for their members to support the demonstrations, with Solidaires stating, "Let's not let them fire on our children. Secondary school pupils have the freedom of assembly, association and demonstration."