Hundreds of students and parents took to the streets of France as school protests intensified, leading to 499 arrests and clashes with police. The unrest, which began in late September, has spread to multiple cities, with tensions rising as demonstrations turned violent. President Macron has called for an emergency meeting to address the situation.
Protests in Paris and other cities saw sporadic violence, with protesters throwing objects and police using tear gas and batons. A 14-year-old student in Paris lost several teeth after being hit in the face with a tear gas grenade, prompting a police officer to be charged. The government has accused the far-left France Unbowed party of inciting violence ahead of Macron's 2027 election.
The French government has closed schools for a half-day to allow for internal democracy, while critics accuse authorities of using disproportionate force. Prime Minister Lecornu condemned the violence, stating that burning down schools does not improve their conditions. The protests continue, with further demonstrations planned as demands for better-funded schools remain unmet.