Riot Police Clash with Students Amid Education Protests in France

Riot police have clashed with protesters as thousands of students demonstrating over education standards disrupted more than 700 schools in France. Fires have burned in the streets as high school pupils and others objected to a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating buildings. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 1,747 people were arrested on Friday. The protests began last week in Paris and have spread to cities including Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that 735 of France's 3,700 schools were affected by the protests. He described the situation as having escalated from high school demonstrations to a public order disturbance. Announcing the arrests, Nuñez told France's TF1 television network, "We are sliding into riot and urban violence, and we are using all intermediate means to put an end to it." Education Minister Édouard Geffray claimed that the movement had been hijacked by individuals who were not students. He noted that teachers had reported that some of the protesters were not their students. Earlier on Friday, a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after protests in Belfort, where a police officer was targeted. BBC Verify has authenticated videos showing the officer being attacked. At least 65 staff members have been reported injured in the unrest, according to the education ministry. In Pantin, police charged at protesters and made arrests after projectiles were thrown at officers. Tear gas was deployed in Strasbourg as police anticipated worsening conditions. Rubbish bins were set on fire in Rennes and Paris. Lola, a 16-year-old protester, stated, "As far as we're concerned, we've won - our school is closed this morning," adding that police actions had exacerbated tensions. Police reported seizing items from demonstrators, including petrol bombs and an axe. The education ministry indicated that significant damage had occurred to school facilities, with Nelson Mandela high school in Nantes suffering over €2 million in damage due to a fire. The protests were fueled by concerns over long school hours, hot classrooms, and staff shortages. This unrest comes at a critical time for French President Emmanuel Macron, with the presidential election approaching in six months. Planned budget cuts affecting education funding have further angered the protesters. Parents have expressed concern for their children's safety amid the violence. Anya, a 53-year-old parent, mentioned, "We banned him from coming. I hope he isn't here, but he did leave the house. We're afraid the situation might escalate." Darmanin indicated that prosecutors have been asked to hold parents liable for damages caused by their children. Many French unions have expressed support for the protesting students, including the education union SNEP-FSU and the public services union SNUEP-FSU. The Solidaires Trade Union Federation stated, "Let's not let them fire on our children. Secondary school pupils have the freedom of assembly, association, and demonstration."