Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Tuesday as high school students, teachers, and unions continued protests demanding improvements in education conditions. The demonstrations, which have persisted since late September, involve students aged 15 to 17 blocking entrances to hundreds of high schools nationwide, citing issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded schedules, deteriorating facilities, and inadequate infrastructure to manage rising temperatures.
The protests have occasionally turned violent, with confrontations between demonstrators and police leading to serious injuries. Authorities have been accused by unions, rights groups, and participants of using disproportionate force. On Monday, a stun grenade fired by police resulted in a teenager in the northern town of Lens losing a hand. Additionally, another youth reportedly lost teeth following police use of a grenade launcher at his head. The French Interior Ministry reported that since the protests began, 215 students and 715 police officers have been injured.
The unrest comes ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen maintaining a lead in polls despite a recent graft conviction. Some protesters have made pointed references to her candidacy, including signs criticizing both the education system and Le Pen’s legal background. In Marseille, 18-year-old student Oceanne expressed frustration over frequent teacher absences and ineffective replacements, echoing sentiments shared by many demonstrators nationwide.
Demonstrations unfolded in numerous cities, including large marches in Marseille, Nantes, Rennes, and the capital, Paris. The interior ministry estimated around 86,000 people had participated nationwide by early Tuesday, while the CGT union placed the figure significantly higher at 260,000. In Rennes, teachers gathered to support students and expressed concern over police tactics. Teacher Romain Dubourg described discussions among staff regarding observed police violence and underscored the decision to stand alongside the students.
While much of the protests have remained peaceful, some incidents involved property damage such as fires and vandalism directed at bus shelters, followed by police responses employing batons, tear gas, and riot-control rounds. The French government has condemned such violence but also attributed part of the unrest to the influence of the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party. LFI’s Jean-Luc Melenchon has publicly supported the protests, urging non-violent demonstrations.
Additional tensions arose following video footage allegedly showing a plainclothes police officer groping a detained female minor during a protest in Metz. Authorities have launched multiple internal investigations into police conduct since the protests began. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that ten probes into alleged police brutality were open.
Human rights organization Amnesty International has called for an end to what it described as disproportionate repression by French police during the protests, highlighting concerns over the use of tear gas, batons, and aggressive policing methods.
As the demonstrations continue, union leaders like CGT’s Sophie Binet have pledged to protect students, and political figures including Greens leader Marine Tondelier have encouraged community members to physically support young protesters. The movement reflects ongoing frustrations with France’s education system and intensified social tensions ahead of a pivotal presidential election.