Clashes have erupted between police and demonstrators as thousands of students in France protest against educational standards and the state of schools.
More than 700 schools across the country have been affected by the protests, and incidents of arson on the streets have also been reported.
Demonstrators are protesting against teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated school buildings.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that 1,747 people were arrested on Friday. According to him, the situation in the country is escalating toward “riots and civil unrest,” and all available measures are being taken to bring it under control.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin remarked, “The protests have now moved beyond high school student demonstrations to become a public order issue.” He noted that 735 of the country’s 3,700 schools have been affected in some way by these violent protests.
The protests began in Paris last week and have since spread to other cities across the country, including Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille.
Students complain that school hours are excessively long, classrooms are overheated, and many staff members are frequently absent from work. French Education Minister Édouard Geoffroy has alleged that “non-students have exploited this student movement for their own ends.”
The protests are taking place at a time when the government’s proposed budget cuts are set to affect funds allocated for education—a move that has sparked intense anger among young protesters.
Parents also fear that their children could get caught up in the violence and unrest accompanying the protests.
Several French trade unions have expressed support for the student protests. In a statement, the union federation Solidaires declared, “We must not allow our children to be attacked,” adding that “secondary school students have the right to assemble, organize, and demonstrate.”
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