Three days of violent student protests in France result in over 2,000 arrests

Student-led protests over teacher shortages, deteriorating school buildings and overcrowded classrooms have spread across France over three consecutive days, with more than 2,000 people arrested nationwide and hundreds reportedly injured. The demonstrations, which began last week with blockades at school entrances, merged with a broader public-sector strike on Tuesday, forcing the closure of more than 500 schools.

Violent scenes were reported in several major cities. In Saint-Denis, north of Paris, students gathered near a fire set outside their school, while protesters in Lyon and Lille threw objects at police officers. Education Minister Édouard Geffray stated that 76 people, including students and staff, had been injured since the protests began, and that more than 400 people, mostly minors, were detained within a single 24-hour period. Students interviewed described unsafe conditions in classrooms, citing infestations of insects and rodents as well as extreme temperature fluctuations.

The government has accused the left-wing party La France Insoumise of inciting young people to participate in the protests, following an intelligence briefing to government ministers. This allegation comes at a politically sensitive time, with a presidential election scheduled for next year and the government preparing to present its 2027 budget, which is expected to include public spending cuts.