Tens of thousands of students, teachers, union members, and activists continued protests across France this week, calling for increased funding to address chronic teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating school infrastructure. The demonstrations have entered their third week, with major cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Lille, and Strasbourg witnessing marches, blockades, and occasional clashes with police.
The protests began largely in disadvantaged suburban areas and have since gained support from trade unions and left-wing political groups. University students have joined in solidarity, with union leaders claiming that up to 90% of universities are experiencing disruptions, though government officials report a lower figure of approximately 35%. High schools, or lycées, have seen fluctuating closures, with the government stating around 214 were shut at the time of reporting, down from more than 400 a week earlier.
In Paris, confrontations escalated near Les Invalides, where police deployed tear gas and water cannons against some demonstrators. Authorities reported that groups intent on provoking violence infiltrated the mostly peaceful marches, throwing stones and bottles at officers and damaging nearby businesses, including setting a car on fire. Police unions cited injuries to at least 11 officers in these incidents, while student representatives accused security forces of excessive force. Nationwide, police said about 700 officers have been injured, alongside over 200 students and more than 100 school staff. The justice ministry indicated that over 6,800 people had been detained during the protests, with around 1,500 prosecutions underway. Allegations of police brutality, including several cases of severe injury to young protesters, are currently under investigation.
Among those joined by protesters was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who appeared at an early morning demonstration outside Lycée Paul Éluard in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Thunberg expressed concern that young people are excluded from policy discussions and said their future is being compromised amid insufficient school investment. Lawyers formed human chains to protect students amid concerns over police tactics, and demonstrators emphasized continuing peaceful actions despite tensions.
The protests have posed a significant challenge for the French government, which faces conflicting pressures: demands for urgent public investment in education infrastructure versus commitments to reducing the country's growing deficit and debt. Education Minister Édouard Geffray noted efforts to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers in the schools most affected by shortages, but acknowledged that complete closures of some lycées, estimated around 200, were expected.
The government initially hoped the momentum of protests might subside during the upcoming two-week half-term school holidays, but organizers and participants expressed determination to continue. Many students pointed out that in economically disadvantaged areas, few families can afford holidays, reducing the likelihood of protests abating during this period.
President Emmanuel Macron called for restraint and dialogue, emphasizing the need for consultation and respect in addressing the issues. Meanwhile, the protest movement's demands include an estimated €10 billion annual increase in funding to renovate schools and resolve staffing crises.
As unrest persists, debates remain over the balance between maintaining public order and addressing the demonstrators’ grievances, reflecting wider tensions over France’s education system and public spending priorities.