In brief
Nationwide student protests erupted into arson on Thursday, with fires breaking out at schools in Nantes, Rouen and Marseille. Over a thousand students were arrested, and police suffered injuries. Prime Minister Lecornu convened a crisis meeting, while political parties debate further crackdown. The unrest, driven by under‑staffing, overcrowding and dilapidated facilities, coincides with France’s looming election.
In the early hours of Thursday, a wave of unrest erupted across France as students blocked schools nationwide, demanding better funding and safer learning environments.
The protests escalated into arson when fires broke out at schools in Nantes, Rouen and Marseille, forcing 1,949 students and staff to flee and leaving several buildings severely damaged.
The Interior Ministry reported 305 police officers injured; Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis cabinet, while opposition parties split between calls for restraint and an expansion of anti‑riot legislation.
Union of lycée students has organized the demonstrations and claimed the unrest is a legitimate response to chronic under‑staffing, overcrowded classrooms and dilapidated facilities, citing the case of a 17‑year‑old report in Strasbourg.
Meanwhile, city authorities have suspended public transport in sectors hit hardest by vandalism, and universities in Rennes and Paris have faced blockades as well.
Experts warn that if funding gaps are not addressed, the violence could spread further. The movement coincides closely with France’s upcoming general election, adding political stakes to the clashes.
