On Thursday, flames erupted at several French secondary schools as students marched in nationwide blockades demanding better funding, more teachers and safer facilities.
In Nantes, two high schools caught fire after a bin was set alight, spreading to damage the entrance hall of the Nelson Mandela school. A similar blaze was seen at a school in Rouen, while in Marseille a teacher was splashed with petrol.
Police recorded 1,949 arrests and 305 injuries. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting, and the government characterised the protests as “urban violence.”
The demonstrations have spilled onto universities – with at least 30 campuses blockaded – and halted public transport in Marseille and Strasbourg.
While students point to under‑funded classrooms and overcrowded schools, politicians blame the far‑right for incitement. National Rally’s Marine Le Pen pushed for a new anti‑riot law, whereas left‑wing leaders called for calm expression.
The situation is evolving. Follow our live feed for continuous updates and community commentary.
