Riot police clash with students as education protests rage in France

Sat Oct 03 2026 12:38:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Thousands of students marching across France face riot police, causing fires and damage to schools.

Student demonstrations over education cuts have spread from Paris to cities across France, igniting clashes with riot police. Fires have broken out on streets and several schools sustained significant damage, prompting authorities to arrest more than 1,700 people. Interior Minister Laurent Nu70n and Education Minister Geffray have described the unrest as a public order disturbance, while teachers signal their frustration at rising school staff absences. High‑profile incidents, including a police officer being assaulted in Belfort, have intensified national debate over France’s education future.

Riot police have clashed with students demonstrating over education standards, triggering widespread unrest across France.

The protests began last week in Paris and have spread to Montpellier, Nantes, Marseille and other cities. Fires broke out on streets as young demonstrators lit pyrotechnics, and several schools suffered damage to gates, entrances and windows. Police seized items including petrol bombs and an axe.

Interior Minister Laurent Nu70n announced that 1,747 people were arrested on Friday, describing the situation as a sliding into riot and urban violence. Education Minister Geffray said the movement had been hijacked by non‑students, with teachers noting that many students no longer were present for classes.

Damaged schools reported losses of up to €2m, such as the Nelson Mandela high school in Nantes, where fire destroyed glass entrances. At least 65 staff members nationwide were injured, and parents anxiously watch their children involved in the unrest.