More than 250,000 people joined demonstrations as students demanded better staffing and facilities while clashes with police caused hundreds of injuries.
Nearly 2,000 French high schools were reported closed or blockaded during the largest day of student-led demonstrations over education funding and inequality. The protests began in September in the disadvantaged suburbs of Paris. Students were upset about teacher shortages; overcrowded classrooms; and deteriorating school buildings with problems including rats and falling debris.
The movement has since expanded nationwide with police tactics drawing widespread attention. French authorities have arrested more than 5,000 people since the protests started and most of those detained have been teenagers. Police actions have led to serious injuries including a 15-year-old who lost a hand after reportedly picking up a police grenade.
Students have also suffered eye injuries; broken teeth; and blows to the head during clashes according to Reuters. Protesters say years of inadequate investment have left many schools without enough teachers or acceptable facilities. France plans a 1.7% education budget increase for 2027 which is below inflation.
The protests began in the Paris region and grew rapidly into a nationwide movement. Demonstrations took place across France including Paris; Marseille; Strasbourg; Rennes; and Toulouse. More than 250,000 people joined Tuesday’s demonstrations according to government figures while organizers put attendance at 450,000.
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons during demonstrations in several cities. The protests have increased pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government as France moves toward its 2027 presidential election. Student groups have called for further demonstrations.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government must address problems including teacher shortages and deteriorating school buildings.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has defended police actions while rights groups and opposition lawmakers have criticized the use of riot-control weapons against minors. The government has also opened investigations into some serious injuries. Lecornu has rejected claims that authorities ordered political repression of the protesters.
The protests have drawn attention to poor school conditions including leaking buildings; rats; extreme classroom temperatures; and insufficient equipment. Students in Paris blockaded schools and created makeshift barricades. Parents and teachers have increasingly joined the demonstrations in support of student demands.
The Education Ministry reported that classes were fully or partially suspended at 891 schools on Tuesday. A student union said about 2,000 high schools were at a standstill during the broader protests. The ministry also launched an online portal for students to anonymously describe problems at their schools.
The demonstrations have become part of a wider debate about public spending and inequality ahead of France’s presidential election next spring. Many students say their main demands are more education funding; better staffing; safer buildings; and equal opportunities.
The protests have become one of the most serious challenges facing France’s education system in decades.
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