France is grappling with mounting unrest in its education sector, as protests over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and crumbling school buildings have spiralled into violence.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray confirmed that more than 400 schools and educational institutions would remain closed on Friday, shifting to distance learning. Since the demonstrations began in the Paris region last month, they have spread nationwide, with clashes between students and police, arson attacks and vandalism reported in several cities.
Authorities said nearly 2,000 people have been detained, including over 600 on Wednesday alone. The Interior Ministry reported 305 police officers injured, while Geffray noted 170 students and 65 education staff had also been hurt.
Incidents included schools set ablaze in Marseille and Strasbourg, buses attacked, and blockades at around 30 university campuses. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting as intelligence services suggested hard‑left politicians had helped spark the movement.
Officials insist they will engage with student representatives, but Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin warned the unrest has shifted from legitimate protest to “public‑order disturbance.”