French students have blocked their schools in a wave of protests that led to 164 arrests on Monday, sparking a warning from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu that any escalation would be "irresponsible".
The demonstrations began in Paris as a response to overcrowded classes, teacher shortages and a feeling of neglect. Intensified by fireworks, fires and vandalism, police said 12 officers, 12 students and three school staff were injured, and 180 schools were affected.
A students’ union described the protests as a legitimate reply to decades of under‑funding and called for more blockades to defend their rights. In contrast, the government called the riots "urban violence" and demanded the perpetrators be held accountable.
After Paris, the movement spread to Marseille, Lille, Sedan and the outskirts of Paris, with incidents of police firing a grenade‑launcher round at a student, prompting investigations.
Meanwhile, unions for teachers and civil servants launched a nationwide walk‑out the same day, demanding better pay and safer working conditions. The situation remains volatile as students, parents and officials debate how to address the urgent needs of France’s schools.
