French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened an emergency crisis meeting on Thursday as student-led protests across the country escalated into violent clashes, arson, and widespread disruptions to public services.
Over 625 people, primarily students, were arrested over a two-day period as demonstrations spread to 350 high schools and 30 university campuses. The unrest began last week in the Paris region before expanding nationwide, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and warn of "urban violence" amid reports of attempted arson at multiple schools.
Prime Minister Lecornu canceled ministers’ trips to focus on the crisis, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that "in certain places, there were individuals acting as agitators — people who moved from one school to another to stir up high school and other students and incite them to commit acts of violence."
Escalation and Immediate Impact
The protests, which initially centered on demands for more teachers, better-maintained school buildings, and reduced class sizes, have since expanded to include opposition to government budget cuts in the 2027 spending plan. Education Minister Edouard Geffray urged schools to shift to remote learning if protesters blocked access, stating on social media that "Violence will not keep our students from their fundamental rights."
At least 83 police and gendarmes were wounded in the unrest, alongside 119 students and school staff injured since the protests began. In one incident, the principal of Marseille’s Victor Hugo high school was doused in gasoline and injured, while two other principals were attacked in Rouen and Petit-Quevilly. Authorities reported attempted arson at multiple schools, with police using tear gas in several cities.
Demands and Government Response
Student organizers have framed the protests as a response to chronic underfunding of public education, citing staffing shortages, dilapidated infrastructure, and overcrowded classrooms. The government has acknowledged the concerns but attributed the escalation to external agitators and accused protesters of disproportionate violence.
Prime Minister Lecornu’s emergency meeting included discussions on security measures, potential policy adjustments, and long-term solutions to address the underlying grievances. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers have criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, calling for immediate reinvestment in education and a reversal of the budget cuts.
Broader Context and Ongoing Unrest
The protests coincide with a period of heightened political sensitivity in France, as the government faces pressure over unpopular austerity measures and public dissatisfaction with education policies. The unrest has also drawn comparisons to past waves of student-led demonstrations, though this iteration has seen unprecedented levels of violence and arrests in a short timeframe.
Authorities have warned that the situation remains volatile, with further protests expected in the coming days. The government has not indicated whether additional measures will be taken to address the protesters’ demands or to prevent further escalation.