French Prime Minister warns against escalation of school protests after 164 arrests

Lecornu has warned that the current wave of student protests in France, which began last week with high school blockades in the Paris region, could turn dangerous if they intensify.

The Prime Minister called the escalation "irresponsible" in a post on X, after police arrested 164 demonstrators, including students and teachers, on Monday.

The protests stem from chronic overcrowding, teacher shortages and a perceived overreach of the state‑run admission platform Parcoursup, with students citing the need to protect their rights and push back against austerity.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported injuries to 12 security forces, 12 students and three staff members, and that 180 schools were affected. He described the demonstrations as "more like urban violence" rather than a traditional protest.

Lecornu also accused the far‑left France Unbowed party of encouraging the students to broaden the movement, while the union that represents high‑school students defended the blockades as a legitimate response to the systemic problems.

The government faces pressure from teachers, hospital workers and civil servants who have joined a national day of walkouts on the same day, demanding better pay and safer working conditions.

While the Prime Minister pledged to listen to the students' concerns, he condemned violence, calling on all parties to resolve disputes peacefully and within the bounds of the law.