In brief
Over the past two weeks, students across France have taken to the streets to protest sub‑standard school conditions, forcing more than 500 schools to close. Starting in Paris, the demonstrations have spread nationwide, leaving dozens of staff injured and police deploying tear gas and rubber bullets. The unrest underscores a growing frustration among young people and raises questions about how the government will address the underlying grievances while maintaining public order.
The wave of student demonstrations that began in Paris last month has fanned across the country, bringing protests onto school campuses and disrupting the education system nationwide.
By early Friday, officials reported that more than 500 schools had suspended classes or were operating at a reduced capacity, citing safety concerns amid clashes between students and police. The educational ministry confirmed that at least 65 teachers and support staff had sustained injuries, many from tear‑gas canisters or thrown projectiles.
In Paris itself, BBC correspondent James Waterhouse witnessed students hurling rocks and plastic bottles, while officers deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds. “It was chaotic,” Waterhouse told reporters, “with students shouting slogans and police shouting orders. The situation escalated quickly.”
‘We are not going to accept a system that fails our children,’ one protester shouted, waving a homemade banner. The chant echoed across the streets, as students demanded improved resources and a better learning environment.
The unrest has prompted debate over the state of public schooling in France. Critics argue that decades of budget cuts and insufficient digital infrastructure have left many students under‑prepared for the modern demands of higher education and the workforce.
Government spokespeople have stated they will look into the protests’ underlying issues, but security forces remain on alert. “We are committed to supporting the educational sector while upholding order,” a ministry official said.
As demonstrations continue, parents express mixed feelings: some sympathize with the students’ plight, while others worry that the chaos may jeopardise academic progress. The national debate is set to intensify as the government negotiates a path forward.
Follow live updates: Live coverage of the protests.