Student Protests Grow in France and Political Debates Intensify
As ongoing protests in high schools across France turn violent, the number of detentions has reached two thousand, and the government has blamed far-left parties.
Student protests that began in France over school conditions and budget cuts have seen clashes with police in many cities, with authorities reporting that the number of detentions has reached approximately two thousand.
Clashes Occurred in Various Cities
As violent student protests escalated across France, tear gas filled the streets of Strasbourg, and demonstrators in Marseille threw fireworks at police barricades.
Trash cans were set on fire in the city of Rennes, while clashes between security forces and demonstrators also took place in the capital, Paris.
Detention and Injury Information
Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin announced that since the protests began, approximately two thousand people, mostly youths, have been detained.
Minister of Education Édouard Geffray reported that at least 65 school staff members and around 170 students were injured, and over a hundred high schools suffered heavy damage.
Core Reasons Behind the Protests
The demonstrations initially emerged due to complaints over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, long school days, and worsening physical facilities.
It was noted that around 400 high schools remain closed and special riot police units have been deployed, alongside investigations launched into alleged police brutality.
Government Accuses the Far-Left Party
During a government crisis meeting, French intelligence agencies stated that the protest movement was instigated by politicians from the far-left party La France Insoumise (LFI).
LFI lawmakers rejected these claims, accusing the government of politicizing the protests ahead of France's 2027 presidential election.