The Hélène Boucher high school in northeastern Paris became the latest flashpoint when a crowd of students used rubbish bins to block its entrance. Police surrounding the nearby square responded by firing tear gas as the protest surged, marking the 6,600th arrest in a movement that began in late September.
The protests emerged from widespread complaints about underfunded schools, ageing facilities, and staff shortages. Trade unions and political groups have joined the demonstrators, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the violence in a televised address, calling for the safety of France’s youth.
Students on the ground illustrate the human cost. Sofia Ferdials, 18, from Paris 8 University, declared, "We won’t stop until October, if necessary." Emma Khelil, 18, returned to her former high school to support the protest and warned against police brutality. Dounia Gergeon, a 39‑year‑old librarian, said the youth feel cornered by the conditions.
The unrest has rippled beyond France. In Belgium, authorities in Liège banned public gatherings after clashes that left nearly 90 people arrested. In Italy, students occupied schools in Turin, Rome, and Naples, echoing the French slogan and demanding better conditions.
Ahead of the April presidential election, the Interior Ministry will convene an emergency meeting of education officials on Friday to address the escalating unrest and chart a response to the protests.