--- title: "Students Disrupt Over 700 Schools Across France in Education Protests" url: https://noti.group/students-disrupt-over-700-schools-across-france-in-education-protests/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-10-02T17:43:10.000Z updated: 2026-10-02T19:39:09.983Z id: 7745b379-8b27-46a9-8145-9a3e3b6d31d0 source: "BBC News World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck3r5dxxwqzpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/students-disrupt-over-700-schools-across-france-in-education-protests/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Students Disrupt Over 700 Schools Across France in Education Protests Thousands of students protesting against poor educational conditions disrupted over 700 schools across France on Friday, prompting clashes between riot police and demonstrators. The protests, which began last week in Paris, have now spread to major cities such as Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille, with students objecting to a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated school buildings. Fires broke out in the streets as high school pupils and others expressed their discontent with the current state of education in France. The protests have become increasingly intense, with reports of violence and vandalism. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin described the situation as having "gone from high-school student demonstrations to a public order disturbance", suggesting that the government is taking a stern stance against the protesters. In Belfort, north-eastern France, a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after allegedly targeting a police officer during protests. Tear gas was deployed in Strasbourg as police anticipated escalating tensions during the ongoing protests against education reform in France. According to reports from the Reuters news agency, authorities feared conditions would become increasingly hostile. The use of tear gas added to the growing list of measures employed by law enforcement agencies to quell the demonstrations. Riotous scenes have unfolded across several cities, with rubbish bins set ablaze in Rennes and Paris. The protests, which began last week, have now spread to hundreds of schools nationwide. Demonstrators are objecting to long school hours, sweltering classrooms, and staff absences. Their demands have become a major concern for French President Emmanuel Macron as he prepares for next year's presidential election. A 16-year-old protester, identified only by her first name Lola, expressed her frustration with police actions during the demonstrations. Speaking to the AFP news agency on Friday, she claimed that law enforcement measures had exacerbated the situation. "It makes us even angrier - the police have no right to hit us or use tear gas on us," she stated. Police have published photographs of items seized from protesters, including petrol bombs, an axe, and mortar fireworks. The education ministry has reported significant damage to school facilities across France. In Nantes, Nelson Mandela high school suffered extensive damage after a fire destroyed its glass entrance and damaged some interior areas. The regional government estimated the cost of repairs at more than €2m. The blockades and protests have been ongoing for several days, with students expressing their discontent through various means. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are working to maintain order while addressing the concerns of demonstrators. As budget cuts aimed at reducing education funding spark widespread protests across France, students are facing off against riot police in a tense standoff that has left many worried about their safety. The planned budget cuts have been met with fierce resistance from young protesters, who argue that they will have a devastating impact on the quality of education in France. In response to concerns raised by parents and teachers, authorities are taking steps to address the situation while maintaining order. French Education Minister Édouard Geffray has accused protesters of being hijacked by non-students, with some teachers reportedly saying that the individuals involved were not their students. However, many French unions have thrown their support behind the protesting students, including education union SNEP-FSU and public services union SNUEP-FSU. Parents are also growing increasingly anxious as their children become caught up in the wave of violence and unrest, with some schools even banning students from attending protests to avoid putting them in harm's way. For example, Anya, a 53-year-old mother from southern Paris, was frantically searching for her son after learning that he had left home to join the demonstrations. In an effort to deter further protests, Justice Minister Darmanin has proposed holding parents liable for any damage caused by their children and requiring them to pay for repairs. Since the start of the movement, about 2,000 people - mostly young protesters - have been taken into custody, highlighting the scale of the unrest that is gripping France. Many French unions have given their support to the protesting students, calling on members to back them in their fight against budget cuts and in defense of their right to free assembly and demonstration. --- Source: [BBC News World](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck3r5dxxwqzpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/students-disrupt-over-700-schools-across-france-in-education-protests/