Bildung: Knapp 2.000 Festnahmen bei Schulprotesten in Frankreich

In France, nearly 2,000 people were arrested during school protests, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Most of the arrests were due to alleged violence against law enforcement, with 305 police officers and gendarmes reported injured. Schools were closed in over 400 instances on Friday, with students engaging in remote learning. As of now, 170 students and 65 individuals from the education sector have been hurt since the protests began.

Students have been protesting for more funding, criticizing dilapidated school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient teaching staff. The unrest has not been limited to grammar schools; issues have also emerged at universities regarding university admissions platforms. While many students participated in peaceful demonstrations, there have been numerous instances of vandalism, attacks on law enforcement, and damage to school buildings.

In several cities, public transportation was restricted due to the protests, including a fire truck set ablaze in Marseille.

The Ministry of the Interior expressed concern that the situation resembled urban unrest rather than legitimate demonstrations. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for an emergency session to address the gymnasium situation. He urged ministers to cancel planned trips. The Education Minister, Édouard Geffray, appeared on France 2 and announced talks with gymnasium students, emphasizing the need for dialogue. The sole path forward, he stated, is through conversation.