French Police Fire Tear Gas at Paris School Amid Escalating Nationwide Student Protests

Riot police deployed tear gas against high school students barricading the Helene Boucher Lycee in northeastern Paris on Thursday, marking another day of unrest as nationwide demonstrations against education underfunding intensify. Masked youths dragged rubbish bins to block entrances before security forces intervened, echoing disruptions at hundreds of campuses across France. The incident highlights growing friction between law enforcement and youth activists demanding increased resources, better infrastructure, and staff recruitment.

According to the French Interior Ministry, security forces have detained more than 6,600 people since the movement erupted in late September, primarily involving demonstrators under the age of 18. On Thursday alone, 375 schools faced full or partial closures. "We're here to defend our rights, not to lose an eye or a hand," said Emma Khelil, an 18-year-old university student protesting at her former school, citing deteriorating facilities, water leaks, and rodent infestations alongside severe concerns regarding police tactics.

The demonstrations have placed significant political pressure on the government ahead of the upcoming presidential election. In a televised address, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu condemned escalating violence, vandalism, and injuries among officers and staff, accusing rival factions of exploiting youth anger for electoral advantage. "We cannot play with the safety of France's youth," Lecornu warned, criticizing political figures seeking to leverage the unrest.

The momentum has begun spilling beyond French borders, triggering unrest in neighboring Belgium. Authorities in Liege imposed a temporary ban on public gatherings following violent clashes that prompted water cannon deployments and nearly 90 arrests. As Belgian students launch decentralized actions demanding smaller class sizes and education reforms, French organizers predict demonstrations will persist and converge with broader labor movements as national elections approach.