Student protests in France escalate: violence in schools, hundreds injured

The student protests in France's schools continue. Violence broke out again. According to authorities, a police officer was brutally attacked in Belfort, eastern France. According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, an investigation into attempted murder is ongoing.

In total, there were unrest at around 560 schools throughout the day, the ministry said. 400 high schools were closed. In Paris, the entrance areas of two schools burned. There were violent riots at a total of 55 schools in the greater capital area. In Lyon, firecrackers were set off and garbage cans were set on fire at ten schools.

High school students distance themselves from violence

In the past few days there had been several violence on the sidelines of the protests. Thousands of young people were arrested. The authorities accuse them of, among other things, damage to property and physical attacks. According to official information, at least 300 security guards, 170 young people and 65 school employees were injured.

Representatives of the high school students distanced themselves from the violence. "There are scenes of violence that are absolutely disgusting," said Nathanaël Combray from the organization "Renouveau Lycéen" after a conversation with Education Minister Édouard Geffray. Combray called on high school students to behave responsibly. You should not join a movement that harms your own cause, said Combray, referring to troublemakers.

Louis Letoublon from the organization "Les Lycéens" said the acts were not committed by high school students but by external people.

Justice Minister speaks of a “violent minority”

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin told RTL Radio that the protests had become a public order problem. An “active and violent minority” was involved in the riots. In some cases it is unclear whether these are students at all.

“When people attack buses and set schools on fire, it is no longer just a protest,” Darmanin said. He also demanded that parents pay for the damage caused by their children.

Protest against underfunding

The students' demonstrations are directed against years of underfunding of schools and planned budget cuts by President Emmanuel Macron's government. According to the draft budget for 2027, the education budget should only increase by 1.7 percent, which is below the inflation rate. "There are 35 of us in a class, we don't have enough chairs," said a 15-year-old student in a Paris suburb.

After Education Minister Geffray met with student representatives in the evening, he addressed the protesters directly and said: "You will be heard, you will be believed and we understand you." He promised to ensure that fewer lessons were canceled, especially in the two final years - one of the students' core demands. It is unacceptable that sick teachers are not represented in examination subjects for months.

Geffray also announced improvements to the timetables. The students had complained that they often had classes until 6 or 8 p.m. and then had to do homework afterwards.

Protests should continue

According to the student council, the protests should continue. It was said that the minister had not made any concrete promises. They have called for a large, nationwide demonstration next Tuesday.

With information from Julia Borutta, ARD Studio Paris