France student protest escalate as 1,747 arrested in a day

Student protests over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school buildings have escalated into violent clashes with riot police across France, disrupting hundreds of schools and leading to 1,747 arrests in a single day.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed the arrests on Friday as police used tear gas and other measures to contain the unrest, which began in the Paris region last week before spreading to cities including Montpellier, Nantes and Marseille.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said 735 of the country’s roughly 3,700 schools had been affected by the protests, while around 400 high schools were closed on Friday. Fires, blockades and clashes with police were reported at several locations.

Nuñez told TF1 that the situation was moving towards “riot and urban violence”, while authorities said some protesters had used fireworks and other objects against police. Police also reported seizing petrol bombs, axes and fireworks from demonstrators.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray said 65 education staff members had been injured during the unrest, including 40 headteachers, according to Reuters.

Students say they are demanding more teachers, less overcrowding, repairs to deteriorating school buildings and safer, healthier classroom conditions. Some protesters have also accused police of using excessive force, including tear gas, while authorities have said violence and property damage cannot be tolerated.

The unrest has become a major challenge for President Emmanuel Macron’s government, coming six months before France’s next presidential election and amid controversy over the government’s 2027 budget plans.