Dozens of people have suffered injuries and hundreds have faced arrest as French high school students continue nationwide demonstrations.
The protests began last week over teacher shortages and deteriorating school buildings. They also coincided with a broader public-sector strike on Tuesday, increasing pressure on the French government.
The demonstrations have now become a political flashpoint as France prepares to present its 2027 budget. The government is expected to announce spending cuts on Thursday as it seeks to reduce pressure on public finances.
Students Protest Poor School Conditions
In Saint-Denis, north of Paris, students gathered outside their school as a fire burned nearby. Police monitored the situation while similar confrontations unfolded in other major cities.
Television footage from Lyon and Lille showed protesters throwing projectiles toward lines of police officers. Officials said most of those arrested during the demonstrations were children.
Students have highlighted poor conditions inside several schools as a major reason for the protests. They have also raised concerns about insufficient teaching staff and inadequate facilities.
Rising Tensions Across French Schools
Fadila, a 17-year-old student in Saint-Denis, described severe problems at her school. She told Reuters that cockroaches and rats were present, while classroom temperatures could shift dramatically with changing weather.
“We can’t work in those conditions,” she said, describing an environment that students say makes learning increasingly difficult.
The protests come at a sensitive time for the government, with the upcoming budget expected to shape debate over public spending. Authorities now face pressure to address student concerns while managing unrest around the country.
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