High school student protests across France, initially focused on long hours, teacher shortages, and decaying facilities, have escalated into what the French government describes as "urban violence." In response, many schools are reportedly switching to online classes to ensure the safety of teachers and pupils.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis cabinet meeting on Thursday, instructing ministers to cancel travel plans to address the widespread demonstrations. The protests, which began in the Paris region last week, have since spread nationwide.
Police have reported approximately 900 demonstrations, blockades, and related incidents outside high schools, resulting in the closure of over 160 schools. Access to around 30 university campuses, including those in Paris and Marseille, was also blocked on Thursday.
The interior ministry stated that hundreds of high school students, aged 15 to 18, have been detained since the protests began, with 625 detained on Wednesday alone. More than 80 police and firefighters, along with 120 pupils and teachers, have sustained injuries.
Student grievances include overcrowded timetables and classes, insufficient teachers, and extreme temperatures during earlier heatwaves. Riot police have been deployed, and the interior ministry has announced an internal investigation into accusations of excessive force by officers.