Overview
- The movement that began in Paris suburbs over teacher shortages and poor school facilities spread across cities and, according to the justice ministry, left roughly 2,000 people in custody by Friday with the vast majority aged under 18.
- Education authorities reported that about 400 high schools were closed on Friday and 560 reported disruptions as students blockaded entrances and staged sit‑ins that were amplified on social media.
- Clashes have turned violent with multiple school entrances set on fire, firefighters and school staff attacked, dozens of students and staff injured, and hundreds of police and emergency workers hurt during confrontations.
- The government held an inter‑ministerial crisis meeting after intelligence officials told ministers that hard‑left activists, including figures linked to La France Insoumise, had played a role in the unrest, a charge LFI denies.
- Rights groups have raised alarm over police treatment of minors and prosecutors have opened inquiries into alleged excessive force while ministers plan meetings with unions and student representatives and have floated measures such as holding parents liable for damage.