More than 400 teenagers and their families were taken into police custody during a wave of student blockades across France on Tuesday, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.
The protests began in Paris last week and spread to over 400 schools, with students citing overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of teachers as key grievances. Banners and fire‑cracked walkways marked the scenes as some demonstrators set bins, bicycles and even a bus stop ablaze.
Police reports recorded 48 officers and 10 teachers injured, with 48 law‑enforcement officials sustaining injuries. Video footage shows projectiles hurled at police, who responded with batons and tear gas, resulting in a handful of wounded students.
Education minister Édouard Geffray called the violence "indefensible" but reiterated that students have the right to protest. He warned that calling for extended blockades endangers students and public servants.
Union spokesman Ryad Rani accused the government of repression and police of using excessive force. In contrast, Interior Minister Nuñez maintained that the police action was "extremely proportionate".
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned that any escalation would be "irresponsible", especially amid nationwide union walkouts by teachers, hospital staff and civil servants demanding better wages and working conditions.
