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1h ago

France's High‑School Protests Test Government as Arrests Pass 5,000

Chronic teacher shortages, underfunded schools, rising youth unrest now test the government's ability to contain violence before the 2027 presidential campaign.

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A masked protester throws a stone amid clashes with police during a protest by high school students near the Lycee Berthelot high school in Aubervilliers near Paris as part of nationwide protests to demand the hiring of substitute teachers, increased resources and better learning conditions, as more than 400 schools remain closed following days of student protests that have escalated into violence in some places, France, October 2, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
French masked high school students react in a street amid clashes near the Lycee Deodat-de-Severac high school as part of nationwide protests by high school students to demand the hiring of substitute teachers, increased resources and better learning conditions, in Toulouse as more than 400 schools remain closed following days of student protests that have escalated into violence in some places, France, October 2, 2026. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Overview

  • The movement began on September 17 in Seine‑Saint‑Denis and quickly spread to hundreds of lycées across France, affecting about 735 establishments by Friday.
  • Authorities say more than 5,000 people have been arrested since the unrest escalated and security forces report dozens of officers injured along with hundreds of protesters hurt.
  • Students are demanding more teachers, smaller classes and better school facilities after the government proposed a 1.7% rise in the 2027 education budget to €65.53 billion that critics call below inflation.
  • Police chiefs have warned the protests are out of control, prosecutors are preparing sanctions and a national day of demonstrations is planned for Tuesday, raising fears of further clashes.
  • Public opinion is strongly in favour of legal action against politicians who encourage violence according to a CSA poll showing 83% support and political debates over LFI's role have deepened election‑year stakes.