France’s students renew nationwide protests

High school students across France launched another round of protests on Thursday, keeping pressure on the government over worsening conditions in the country’s schools.

Students have been blocking entrances to hundreds of high schools since late September. They are demanding action over teacher shortages, overcrowded schedules and poorly maintained classrooms. They have also raised concerns about school buildings struggling to cope with increasingly high temperatures.

Student organisations called for fresh demonstrations outside schools across the country, including in Paris. National education unions also announced a general strike in support of the students.

The protests have continued despite government efforts to calm the situation. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Wednesday that the government would present a plan to address the crisis by the end of October.

Lecornu acknowledged the concerns of young people and said their anger was rooted in genuine problems. He also rejected claims that security forces had been instructed to confront protesting students.

However, student leaders said the government had yet to offer meaningful solutions. They called for larger demonstrations in the coming days and demanded a direct meeting with the prime minister to present detailed proposals for improving school conditions.

The unrest has resulted in injuries among students, police officers and education workers. More than 6,500 people, most of them minors, have reportedly been arrested since the demonstrations began.

Although many protests have remained peaceful, some gatherings have turned violent. Demonstrators have reportedly set fires, damaged public property and clashed with riot police.

Tensions increased after a 15-year-old student lost a hand following the use of a stun grenade during a protest on Monday. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez subsequently suspended the use of such grenades by police.

Rights groups, unions and students have accused authorities of using excessive force. Police have opened 18 internal investigations into allegations of misconduct.

The protests come only months before France’s 2027 presidential election, adding another political challenge for the government as public anger over social and economic issues continues to grow.