Over 250,000 French Students Protest Substandard School Conditions Amid Police Clashes

More than a quarter of a million secondary school students mobilized across France on Tuesday for a third national day of action, protesting crumbling infrastructure and demanding educational reforms. Large demonstrations took place in major cities including Marseille, Strasbourg, and Paris, where official figures recorded 56,000 marchers. Although rallies were largely peaceful, small factions clashed with riot police in the capital, resulting in nearly 500 arrests nationwide.

The demonstrations severely disrupted the academic system, with lessons suspended either completely or partially across 891 of the country's 3,700 schools. Students have voiced severe frustration over rundown facilities that lack basic supplies like desks, swelter without air conditioning, and suffer from rodent infestations. Protesters also cited severe staff shortages and exhaustive classroom hours that rank among the heaviest workloads in Europe.

The crisis has turned volatile following more than two weeks of class boycotts and school blockades, triggering over 6,500 arrests to date, mostly involving minors. Minister for Education Édouard Geffray reported that ongoing demonstrations have caused injuries to 215 students, 85 teachers, and 715 law enforcement officers. Facing questioning in parliament, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned "ultra violence" surrounding schools while pledging thorough investigations into disputed police tactics and dismissing claims of institutional racism.

Public anger is mounting among parents and educators over the deployment of tear gas and riot-control gear against minors. The unrest has emerged as an early flashpoint in France's presidential election campaign, intensifying political pressure on the government. Despite firm warnings from authorities, several student organizations have pledged to continue the movement, issuing formal calls for another nationwide day of strikes and blockades on Thursday.