Fires, fury and hundreds of arrests as France gripped by student protests
France’s government is struggling to respond to a wave of student demonstrations that caught it off guard and has become its most serious crisis in months.
In north-eastern Paris, pupils blocked a high school entrance with bins. Sophia, 17, joined the protest instead of attending Spanish class.
Students cited underfunded schools, crowded classrooms, deteriorating buildings, low teacher pay and staff shortages. They also objected to an unequal education system.
Other complaints included a confusing online process for university applications and classrooms that became unbearably hot during heatwaves in May and June.
The protests have involved fires and hundreds of arrests. The government now faces pressure to address students’ concerns as demonstrations continue.
Key points
- Students say schools lack funding, staff and suitable facilities.
- University applications and classroom heat were also among the grievances.
- The government is confronting a major crisis after protests and hundreds of arrests.