France Schools Clash: Riot Police Confront Student Protests Over Education Cuts

Sat Oct 03 2026 00:02:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Riot police clash with students across France as protests over teacher shortages and inadequate facilities erupt in more than 560 schools.

Students in France have shut down more than 560 schools in a nationwide protest against education reforms that cut funding and leave classrooms overcrowded. Riot police met the demonstrators in cities such as Montpellier, Nantes, Marseille, and even in the Paris suburbs. The clashes left dozens of teachers and staff injured, with several schools suffering significant damage. The unrest, coming just six months before Macron’s election, has drawn support from several teachers’ unions and raised questions about the government’s budget plans.

Riot police and students collide across France as protests over education cuts intensify.

The dispute erupted after a wave of school closures and strikes that began last week in Paris has spread to dozens of cities, including Montpellier, Nantes and Marseille.

Students, who say classrooms are too hot, too crowded, and teachers too scarce, have halted classes in more than 560 schools. The protests have turned violent, with students throwing fireworks, setting fire to refuse bins and pelting police with rocks and bottles.

Police have discharged tear gas in Strasbourg and again in the Paris suburb of Pantin, where officers were fired upon. In one incident a 17‑year‑old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after a confrontation with an officer in Belfort.

The government has called the chaos a “public order disturbance.” Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin urged that parents be held responsible for damage caused by their children and that arrested students could face prosecutions.

Teachers’ unions such as SNEP-FSU, SNUEP‑FSU and Solidaires have pledged support, urging the public to stand with students and condemning the use of force against minors.

The unrest comes at a pivotal juncture as France prepares for next year’s election, and the protests continue to shape the national conversation on education policy.