Violent Clashes and Mass Protests Erupt Across France Over School Conditions

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across France as unions and teachers joined high school students demanding better learning conditions. The demonstrations have been punctuated by violent confrontations between protesters and riot police.

The French Ministry of the Interior reported that 86,000 people joined demonstrations early on Tuesday, while the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) union estimated the figure at 260,000. Students have been blocking high school entrances since late September, protesting against missing teachers, overloaded timetables, dilapidated classrooms, and poor building infrastructure.

While many demonstrations remained peaceful, some participants set fires, destroyed bus shelters, and clashed with riot police, who responded with batons, tear gas, and riot-control rounds.

According to government figures, 215 students and 715 police officers have been injured since the movement began. Additionally, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s office reported that 85 teaching staff members have also sustained injuries. Among the severe incidents, a 15-year-old lost a hand to a stun grenade fired by riot officers in Lens on Monday.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that police have launched 10 internal investigations into allegations of brutality. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education reported that 24 schools have been burned or ransacked, and more than 5,000 people—87 percent of them minors—have been arrested. The government is currently pushing legislation to hold those responsible for damaging public property financially liable for repairs.