In France, classes have been suspended in approximately 500 high schools due to mass student protests that began on September 17, 2026. The protests started in the Île-de-France region and quickly spread to other cities in the country, triggered by issues such as a shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and poor school conditions.
Reasons for the Protests
Students are expressing their dissatisfaction over:
- the insufficient number of teachers;
- overcrowded classrooms;
- neglected school buildings.
Since the beginning of the protests, there have been instances of violence: 24 educational institutions have been set on fire or vandalized, and the protests have affected around 735 high schools.
Government Response
In response to the escalating protests, the French government has promised to take measures to improve learning conditions. Specifically, plans include:
- improving the state of schools;
- organizing the educational process;
- reviewing the university admission system.
The government is also fast-tracking a bill that would require individuals responsible for property damage to compensate for the losses.
Consequences of the Protests
The protests have led to significant arrests: over 5,000 individuals have been detained since the protests began, with approximately 85% of them being minors. On Friday, October 2, police arrested 1,747 people. Videos have also surfaced online showing mounted police attempting to disperse students protesting after fireworks were launched towards law enforcement.