French education protests have escalated into nationwide unrest, with 1,747 people arrested as students and police clash over demands for better school conditions. The protests, which began in Paris last week, have spread to over 700 schools across the country, with fires, tear gas and physical confrontations reported in multiple cities. The government has blamed the protests on 'outsiders' and accused police of using excessive force against minors.
The unrest has seen over 735 of France's 3,700 schools affected, with 65 staff members injured and 170 students wounded. Students have blocked access to schools, citing overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities and long hours. Education Minister Edouard Geffray has accused the protests of being 'hijacked' by non-students, while Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has called for parents to pay reparations for property damage caused by protesters.
The protests come as the government faces pressure to address budget cuts that have worsened the education funding crisis. The 2027 budget includes a below-inflation increase for education, but critics argue that debt servicing costs will outstrip education spending. The unrest has also raised political tensions, with the hard-left LFI party denying accusations of stoking the protests and accusing the government of politicizing the situation ahead of next year's presidential election.