Tens of thousands of students and supporters took to the streets across France on October 6 in what has become the country’s largest school protests in decades, demanding improved funding, smaller class sizes, and reforms to university admissions. The demonstrations, which began in mid-September at Lycée Saint-Exupéry in the Paris suburb of Créteil, have since spread nationwide, involving more than 2,000 educational institutions that were either blockaded or closed, according to student unions.
Paris saw some of the most intense confrontations, particularly around Place de la Nation, where clashes between riot police and protesters escalated into violent scenes involving tear gas, stun grenades, fireworks, and stone-throwing. Police reported that around 300 individuals identified as violent agitators—referred to locally as “casseurs”—had infiltrated the largely student-led protests, attacking officers and damaging property such as banks and bus shelters. Authorities detained thousands of people during recent demonstrations, with over 6,000 arrests made since the unrest began.
Students and some teachers described the protests as a response to chronic issues within the education system, including staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure. At Lycée Saint-Exupéry, pupils reported missing compulsory subject teachers and poorly maintained facilities, including a leaky roof. “We started protesting because there was no head teacher to take care of us,” said Edson, a 21-year-old participant. Others highlighted broader grievances tied to socioeconomic struggles, with some linking the unrest to wider political frustrations, including the government’s austerity measures and international events that have politicized youth.
Left-wing politicians, including members of Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed (LFI) party, expressed support for the demonstrators and criticized police tactics. They condemned what they described as police brutality, citing serious injuries suffered by students during earlier clashes, such as a teenager losing an eye and another a hand. An officer who injured a 14-year-old during recent protests has been charged with assault. LFI representatives dismissed claims from right-wing figures accusing them of orchestrating the violence, asserting that economic hardships like rising fuel prices had fueled widespread anger likely to sustain the movement.
Meanwhile, the government has maintained that education spending will increase by €1.2 billion despite the protests, pointing to new trainee teachers and additional support staff. Prime Minister and other officials acknowledged the presence of a minority of violent troublemakers within the protests but emphasized their responsibility to maintain order. Marine Le Pen, leader of the right-wing National Rally, called for stricter anti-rioting laws and blamed leftist parties for exacerbating tensions.
As the unrest continues, student organizations are scheduled to meet with Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste to discuss their demands. Observers note that the movement’s evolution bears similarity to previous nationwide protests linked to broader social discontent, with some suggesting upcoming demonstrations could resemble past large-scale movements like the Yellow Vest protests.