Student protests across France have taken an increasingly violent turn, with authorities reporting 1,800 arrests and around 400 schools remaining closed, though classes are continuing remotely.
The government of President Emmanuel Macron has described the unrest as “urban riots” and accused the radical left of helping fuel the disturbances, seven months before presidential elections in which opinion polls currently place the far right of Marine Le Pen ahead.
Hundreds injured
According to the Interior Ministry, the majority of the 1,949 people initially detained are accused of offences including violence, particularly against police officers.
Of those detained, 1,800 were formally arrested.
Authorities also reported 305 injured police officers and gendarmes.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said approximately 170 students and 65 education staff members have been injured since the protests began.
Schools and universities affected
About 400 schools are expected to remain closed on Friday, although distance learning is being provided.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting on Thursday as demonstrations continued to spread across the country.
Students say they are protesting against poor conditions in schools, overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages.
The mobilisation has also expanded into higher education, with student organisation Union Étudiante reporting disruptions and blockades at around 30 university campuses.
Violence reported in several cities
While some demonstrations remained peaceful, others were marked by clashes and vandalism.
French media focused heavily on incidents involving attacks on bus stops and public transport infrastructure, as well as police use of tear gas.
In Nantes, rubbish bins were set on fire, fireworks were launched and the entrance to a school was engulfed in flames for a period.
In Marseille, a fire service vehicle was reportedly set alight.
Political dispute over responsibility
The Interior Ministry argued that the events had moved beyond legitimate protest, referring to “urban riots” and accusing La France Insoumise (LFI), the radical left party, of orchestrating unrest.
LFI rejected the accusations, accusing the government of resorting to conspiracy theories and political tactics aimed at discrediting opponents.
Education Minister Geffray called for calm and said he intended to hold talks with student representatives.
Source: ANA-MPA
