Nearly 2,000 people were detained after student protests over poor school conditions spread across France and turned violent in some areas. Authorities reported 1,949 arrests on Thursday and 305 police and gendarmes injured; more than 600 arrests occurred the previous day amid allegations including arson. Around 400 schools will switch to distance learning, and blockades were reported at roughly 30 university campuses. Officials described the disturbances as resembling urban unrest and said talks with student representatives will be held.
Nearly 2,000 Detained As Student Protests Over School Conditions Turn Violent Across France
Students take shelter from tear gas during scuffles with police as they take part in a blockade protest at the Cesar Baggio secondary school during a nationwide day of public sector strikes and demonstrations across France, following a call from a broad inter-union coalition. The strike takes place two days before the government presents its draft budget for 2027. (is associated with: «Some 2,000 detained as French school protests spread to universities») Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP/dpa
Paris (dpa) — Nearly 2,000 people were detained after student protests over school conditions spread across France and, in some locations, turned violent.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the majority of those detained face allegations of violence, including assaults on police officers. Authorities said 1,949 people were taken into custody on Thursday and that 305 police officers and gendarmes were injured in the unrest.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray said on Friday that around 400 schools will remain closed and switch to distance learning because of the disruptions. He added that, since the demonstrations began, 170 pupils and 65 education-sector staff have been hurt.
Escalation and Spread
What began as demonstrations about dilapidated school buildings, overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages escalated in parts of the country. Media and authorities reported incidents of arson, vandalism and attacks on public transport. On Wednesday alone more than 600 people were arrested on allegations that included arson and attacks on police officers.
Protests spread onto higher education on Thursday morning, with the Union Étudiante student union reporting blockades at roughly 30 university campuses. In many locations, students staged peaceful demonstrations; in others, rubbish bins were set alight, firecrackers were thrown and buildings were vandalised.
Notable Incidents
Authorities reported several serious incidents: the entrance hall of a secondary school in Nantes was set on fire, and in Marseille a fire engine was reportedly torched. Media also reported attacks on buses and bus stops. Police in several areas used tear gas to disperse crowds.
Official Reaction
The Interior Ministry said the situation "no longer had anything to do with the legitimate expression of demands," and described the disturbances as showing the hallmarks of urban unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting on Thursday to coordinate the response.
Interior Ministry: The unrest has moved beyond legitimate protest and displays the characteristics of urban disorder.
Education Minister Geffray appealed for calm on television and said talks would be held with student representatives to address grievances and reduce tensions.
The situation remains fluid as authorities balance security measures with efforts to reopen schools and restart campus activity. Further updates are expected as talks and investigations continue.
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