Nationwide mobilisation enters a new phase as students demand better schools, more teachers and improved facilities
France witnessed a fresh wave of high school protests on Tuesday, October 6, as students across the country returned to barricades and school blockades over demands for better education facilities, more teachers and improved learning conditions.
The movement, which began in the Paris suburbs in September, has now spread across the country, with demonstrations reported in cities including Paris, Lille, Marseille, Strasbourg and Nantes.
Thousands Arrested, Majority Minors
The unrest has increasingly been accompanied by clashes between protesters and police. France’s Justice Ministry said 5,060 people had been arrested since the protests began, with 87% of those arrested being minors.
More than 1,800 people are facing prosecution, including 1,483 minors, according to the ministry. At least 715 police officers and 215 teenagers have also been injured during the unrest.
The protests have seen barricades made from rubbish bins, clashes with riot police and damage around some schools.
Teenager Loses Hand in Lens
Tensions escalated further on Monday in the northern town of Lens, where a 15-year-old boy suffered a devastating hand injury during clashes with police.
Local authorities confirmed the incident and an investigation has been launched. Reports said the teenager lost his hand and part of his lower arm after a police dispersal grenade detonated.
The exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Government Under Pressure
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has ordered ministers to prepare proposals addressing students’ concerns. These include replacing absent teachers, reviewing long school hours and lunch breaks, and repairing ageing school buildings.
The government is facing growing pressure as the protests continue, while officials maintain that police action is aimed at preventing violence and protecting public order.
With student groups and trade unions backing Tuesday’s mobilisation, the protests have become one of the biggest challenges facing the French government in recent weeks.