400+ Students Arrested as French Schools Go on Strike

Wed Sep 30 2026 04:25:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a wave of school blockades across France, over 400 minors were detained after high‑school protests over overcrowded classes and teacher shortages.

High‑school students from Paris to Lille have taken to blockading schools to protest teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms, sparking a nationwide wave of demonstrations. Authorities reported that more than 400 people, mainly minors, were taken into custody, with at least 10 teachers and several students injured. The protests have drawn police tear gas and batons, prompting officials to label the violence as "indefensible" while defending students' right to protest. Education Minister Édouard Geffray condemned the violence and warned that expanding blockades would endanger teachers, students and the public. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu urged restraint, warning that escalation would be irresponsible amid a broader national walk‑out of teachers, hospital staff and civil servants.

A surge of school protests across France has led to more than 400 arrests, most of them minors, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

The demonstrations began in Paris and have since spread to hundreds of high schools, with students blocking entrances and setting up barricades to demand better class sizes and more teachers.

Police responded with batons and tear gas, while at least 10 teachers and several students were injured. Authorities say at least 400 schools were affected and around 48 officers were wounded.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray said the right to resist exists, but the violence is "indefensible" and could endanger everyone involved.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned that any escalation is irresponsible, following an earlier arrest of 164 people, and called for calm amid a larger union walk‑out across France.

Speakers from the student union accuse the government of repression, while police claim their actions were "proportionate". The protests have become a flashpoint for broader debates about France’s education system and working conditions for public servants.