Archive · 2 Oct 2026
France Protests Spread as Hundreds of Schools Close Nationwide
High school students across France are protesting problems in their schools.
They say classrooms are too crowded, teachers are sometimes missing and buildings need repairs.
The government plans to increase education spending, but the increase would be smaller than inflation.
Protests have become violent in some cities, with police using tear gas and other equipment.
About 400 schools were closed on Friday to protect students and staff.
Officials said around 2,000 people had been arrested since the protests began.
The government said outsiders may have taken over the movement.
A left-wing political party denied starting the protests.
Rights groups said police must not use excessive force against young protesters.
Similar demonstrations also began in Liège, Belgium.
About 400 French high schools, roughly one in 10, were closed Friday amid nationwide unrest.
Police clashed with students in Paris, Strasbourg, Marseille and Rennes, with tear gas, fireworks and fires reported.
Students cited overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, inadequate facilities and limited education funding.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said about 2,000 people, mostly teenagers, had been arrested since protests began.
The government blamed outsiders and alleged political involvement, while France Unbowed denied encouraging the protests and rights groups criticized police tactics.
- Who
- High school students, French police, government ministers, France Unbowed, rights groups and parents are involved or mentioned.
- What
- Nationwide student protests over school conditions and funding have led to clashes, arrests and the closure of about 400 high schools.
- When
- The protests began in the Paris region the previous week and spread nationwide; about 400 schools were closed on Friday.
- Where
- Across France, including Paris, Strasbourg, Marseille and Rennes; demonstrations were also reported in Liège, Belgium.
- Why
- Students are protesting overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, deteriorating school buildings and concerns about education funding and proposed budget measures.
Protesters and Rights Groups
Government and Security Officials
Reasons for the protests
Protesters and Rights Groups
Students say overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, inadequate buildings and insufficient funding are harming education.
Government and Security Officials
The government says the unrest has become dangerous and that parents should discourage children from protesting in the streets.
Who is driving the movement
Protesters and Rights Groups
France Unbowed denies initiating or stoking the protests and says the government is politicizing them ahead of the presidential election.
Government and Security Officials
Intelligence agencies told a crisis meeting that politicians from France Unbowed initiated the protest movement, while Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said outsiders had hijacked it.
Police tactics
Protesters and Rights Groups
Students and rights groups, including Amnesty International, accuse police of using excessive force against minors, including batons, tear gas and non-lethal flash-ball guns.
Government and Security Officials
Police and government authorities have responded to increasingly violent unrest and property damage; the Interior Ministry has opened three investigations into alleged police violence.
- Schools closed
- About 400 high schools, roughly one in 10, were closed on Friday.
- Arrests
- Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said about 2,000 people had been arrested, mostly teenagers.
- Education budget
- The draft 2027 budget proposes a 1.7% increase to €65.53 billion, excluding teacher pensions.
- Budget comparison
- Debt servicing costs are expected to reach €74.5 billion next year, according to the draft bill.
- Reported police investigations
- The Interior Ministry said it opened three investigations into alleged police violence against protesters.
- Protest locations
- Clashes were reported in Paris, Strasbourg, Marseille and Rennes, while protests also began in Liège, Belgium.