France - High school students' protests intensify, movement spreads to universities / Nearly 2,000 people have been detained

Protests by high school students in France escalated into urban violence on Thursday, following the blocking or disruption of activities at hundreds of educational institutions. Approximately 900 actions were organized in front of high schools across the country, while law enforcement carried out nearly 2,000 detentions. More than 300 police officers and gendarmes were injured, while the Minister of Education reported 235 people injured in the education system, including 160 students and 65 employees.

The protesters are calling for increased resources for public education, less crowded classes, more substitute teachers, and improved conditions in schools. They also object to the pressure exerted by the Parcoursup platform and the overloaded school schedule.

In several cities, bins were set on fire, bus stops were damaged, and institutions, firefighters, journalists, and members of the leadership of some high schools were attacked. In Paris, a trainee police officer was assaulted, while in Marseille emergency response teams and a journalist were attacked.