Students Clash With Riot Police as France’s Education Protests Spread

In a wave of demonstrations that began last month in Paris, riot police have clashed with students as thousands have shut more than 560 schools across France on Friday.

The protests are driven by complaints about teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and run‑down buildings. Students and other protesters have set fire to rubbish bins, thrown projectiles at officers and, in some cities, poured petrol at schools.

Police have deployed tear gas in Strasbourg and fired upon a protester in Toulouse, and a 17‑year‑old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in Belfort after a police officer was targeted.

At least 65 members of staff have been injured and the education ministry says around 2,000 student‑aged protestors have been taken into custody.

French justice minister Gerald Darmanin warned parents may be held liable for damages and called the violence “a public order disturbance,” while Education Minister Édouard Geffray said the movement had been hijacked by non‑students. Unions such as SNEP‑FSU, SNUEP‑FSU and Solidaires have voiced support for the demonstrators, demanding schools be closed to allow them the “freedom of assembly,” and calling for urgent policy reform.

High school students face off against riot police during a protest in Montpellier