Violent student demonstrations have spread across France, with riot police using tear gas and water cannons in clashes with protesters. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described these as the most violent student demonstrations in decades.
At least 215 teenagers, 700 police officers, and 85 school staff have been injured so far. Incidents include a one-year-old baby being hit by a firework and a teenager losing a hand after picking up a police-thrown grenade.
Protesters have set streets ablaze in cities including Strasbourg, Lyon, and Rennes, throwing projectiles and mortars towards police. The French interior ministry reported at least 260,000 protesters on Tuesday, 6 October, while a high school student union suggested numbers reached up to 450,000.
The demonstrations, which began in September in Paris, are driven by demands for greater investment in schools, addressing issues like crumbling classrooms, overcrowded class sizes, and replacing absent teachers. France’s largest union, the CGT, has announced plans for further protests involving school and university students on Thursday.
The UK's Foreign Office (FCDO) has not issued specific travel warnings related to the protests. However, it advises monitoring media, checking operator advice, and following local authorities' guidance if travelling to or within France. The US government has issued a new warning, advising tourists to avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.