Police braces for nationwide day of protests across French high schools demanding reforms and more resources

French high school students are preparing for nationwide protests on Tuesday, demanding reforms and increased resources for education. The movement, which began in mid-September, has already resulted in over 5,000 arrests, with more than 85% of those arrested being minors. The protests, which started in the Paris capital region, have spread nationwide, affecting around 400 to 500 schools that had to close due to damage or attacks. Over 170 pupils and 78 staff members have also been injured.

The protests are centered around perceived inequalities in the French education system, including underfunded schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods, inadequate facilities, and long hours of compulsory schooling, which are among the highest in Europe. Teachers and students have been vocal about the deteriorating conditions in schools, citing issues such as no air conditioning in summer or freezing classrooms in winter. They argue that education is a right, not a privilege.

In response to the protests, the education minister has reported that more than 170 pupils and 78 staff members have suffered injuries, and around 400 to 500 schools have had to close because of damage or attacks. The public needs to be aware that the conditions for studying are no longer what they were for the students.

France Unbowed, a far-left political party, has emerged as a significant player in the protests, with its leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon urging party members and supporters to protect pupils from the police. Mélenchon, who is running for the French presidency in 2027, has denounced the "savagery" of police officers who have used tear gas and batons to break up crowds.

Critics accuse the party of stoking and manipulating the students for political gain, but Mélenchon maintains that his party supports the movement but is not organizing it and wants it to be non-violent.