High school students across France have returned to the streets, renewing nationwide protests over deteriorating school conditions and shortages of teachers and resources.
The latest demonstrations come despite efforts by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to ease tensions, after weeks of blockades and clashes that have disrupted hundreds of schools.
Students have been protesting since late September, citing overcrowded classrooms, missing teachers, overloaded timetables and deteriorating school buildings. Some schools have also struggled with high temperatures during recent heatwaves.
Student unions called for fresh mobilisation on Thursday, with demonstrations planned in Paris and other cities. Education unions also backed the movement with calls for industrial action in support of the students.
While many protests have remained peaceful, some have escalated into clashes with riot police, fires and damage to public property. The unrest has led to thousands of arrests, while allegations of excessive police force have further inflamed tensions.
The government has responded by suspending the use of stun grenades during the protests after a teenager suffered a serious hand injury during a confrontation with police. Authorities have also been assessing damage to schools, with dozens reportedly suffering significant destruction.
In a televised address on Wednesday, Lecornu acknowledged the students’ concerns and promised government proposals by the end of October, but offered few immediate details on funding or specific measures.
The response has done little to satisfy student groups, which say they want concrete action rather than further promises.
The protests have also attracted support from teachers, university students and other labour groups, turning the school movement into a broader expression of frustration over public services and social conditions.
With demonstrations continuing nationwide, pressure is mounting on the French government to find a political solution before the unrest spreads further.
