PARIS, France- Student protests over school conditions and funding have spread across France, with clashes reported between demonstrators and police and about 400 high schools closed on Friday.
The demonstrations, which began in the Paris region last week, have reached cities including Paris, Strasbourg, Marseille and Rennes.
Students have blocked school entrances, while some protests have involved fires, tear gas and projectiles thrown at police.
Students say classrooms are overcrowded, schools lack teachers and some buildings are in poor condition.
They have also complained about long school days, staff absences and inadequate facilities.
“We are 35 per class, we don’t have enough chairs in classrooms,” 15-year-old Kesia told Reuters during a protest in the Paris suburb of Pantin.
Protests intensify as budget comes under scrutiny
The unrest has grown as the government’s draft 2027 budget proposes a 1.7% increase in education spending, taking the figure to €65.53 billion, excluding teacher pensions.
The increase is below inflation.
Debt servicing is projected to reach €74.5 billion, surpassing education as the largest item in the draft budget.
The proposed spending plan has added to concerns about years of underinvestment in schools.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting on Thursday as the demonstrations spread, while ministers cancelled planned trips to focus on the situation.
Arrests and investigations into police conduct
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said police had arrested about 2,000 people since the protests began, most of them teenagers.
He said parents could be made to pay for damage caused by their children.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray urged parents to discourage children from joining demonstrations, warning that protesters could be at risk in the streets.
Student groups and rights advocates have accused police of using excessive force against young demonstrators.
France’s Interior Ministry said it had opened three investigations into alleged police violence.
Government officials have accused outsiders and political groups of exploiting the protests.
Intelligence officials reportedly blamed politicians from the left-wing France Unbowed party for initiating the movement, an allegation the party has rejected.
The protests are putting pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government as France prepares for a presidential election next year.
Macron cannot seek a third consecutive term.
