Over 625 people, mostly students, have been arrested over two days of violent protests near schools and universities across France over what students say are staffing shortages, dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classes, government budget cuts and long schedules.Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting Thursday, canceling ministers’ trips to focus on the protests, which began last week in Paris-region schools and have snowballed. EUROPE’S LEFT COURTS MUSLIM VOTERS AS ANTI-ISRAEL POLITICS RESHAPE CONTINENTA protesting student feeds a burnt barrier during a blockading action outside the secondary school Le Corbusier, in Aubervilliers, northern Paris on Oct.1, 2026. (Lou Benoist/AFP Via Getty Images)Reports say over 350 high schools and about 30 university campuses were affected by the movement on Thursday alone.
RFI reported 83 police and gendarmes were wounded today, with 119 students and school staffers injured since the start of unrest last week.Reuters reported the principal of Marseille’s Victor Hugo high school was doused in gasoline and injured, while 2 other principals were injured in attacks in Rouen and Petit-Quevilly.Police used tear gas in several cities, with Reuters reporting students accusing authorities of heavy‑handed tactics.
Meanwhile, authorities are warning of "urban violence" and attempted arson at multiple schools.The protests coincide with the government announcing a series of unpopular spending cuts in its 2027 budget two weeks ago, and have become a political flashpoint at a sensitive moment for the French government.GLOBAL RISE IN ANTISEMITISM LEAVES JEWISH COMMUNITY ISOLATED; RABBI SAYS WORLD AT 'A TIPPING POINT'Students run from tear gas during ongoing student protest action and scuffles with police, in Lyon, central eastern France, on Oct.1, 2026.
Since late September, students have staged protests outside schools over grievances ranging from timetables, class sizes and a shortage of teachers to overhe...