French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned that any further escalation in the country’s student protests would be “irresponsible,” a day after police arrested 164 individuals.
The demonstrations, which initially began in Paris and have seen teenagers blockading schools for several days, are driven by grievances including overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of teachers.
Citing reports of incidents during the protests, Lecornu stated on social media that “fireworks, fires, violence near high schools: nothing justifies endangering students, staff, or police officers.”
However, the Union Syndicale Lycéenne, a student union, defended the movement as a “legitimate response” to the educational conditions they face. The union called for continued school blockades on Tuesday, framing them as a defense of rights against budget cuts and the impact of ten years of government policies.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that on Monday, 12 members of security forces, 12 students, and three school staff were injured, with approximately 180 schools affected by the disruptions. He described the events as resembling “urban violence” rather than typical protest activities, noting that masked individuals were equipped with fireworks and projectiles to confront police forces.
The protests have expanded beyond the Île-de-France region, with blockades reported in the southern regions of Alpes-Maritimes and Var, as well as in Marseille, Lille, and Sedan.
Political tensions have also emerged, with Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, blaming the Lecornu government for ordering a crackdown on the students, who he described as “harmless.” In response, Lecornu accused the LFI party of encouraging students to expand the movement.
Investigations have been launched into specific violent incidents, including a report that a police officer fired a round from a crowd-control grenade launcher, injuring a student.
Masked individuals throwing fireworks is unacceptable. But calling it urban violence seems like political spin to delegitimize the cause.
I grew up in France. This never happens anymore. What changed? Is it really just budget cuts?
164 arrests? That feels excessive for teenagers with grievances. Something isn’t adding up here.
Students are right to protest. Our schools are crumbling and underfunded. Violence doesn’t justify their demands, but ignoring them is worse.