In brief
Fires erupted at several French schools as students nationwide staged blockades over overcrowded classrooms and under‑staffing. Two high schools in Nantes were set on fire, while another in Rouen saw its entrance blaze. About 2,000 people were detained and 300 police officers injured, prompting a crisis meeting by Prime Minister Lecornu. Students voice concerns over leaking roofs, tiny cafeterias and zero budgets, while politicians clash over blame and reform. Transport services stalled amid the chaos, leaving students stranded.
🔥 Fires ignite as French students stage nationwide protests, turning school blockades into blazing spectacles.
In Nantes, two high schools saw flames leap from trashcans, while a school in Rouen was set ablaze at its front doors.
Students say their classrooms are cramped, teachers are missing, and buildings are falling apart – the same complaints that drove millions of other students to the streets.
Authorities say almost 2,000 people were detained and 300 police officers hurt, sparking a crisis meeting by Prime Minister Lecornu.
While the government brands the unrest as “urban violence,” the protests keep pushing for better grades, less class‑size and more funding.
“The cafeteria is too small and there are zero budgets,” 17‑year‑old Raphael from Strasbourg told AFP – a voice echoed in every blocked school.
Political leaders split: the hard‑right blames left‑wing groups, while leftists demand peaceful protest and new funding plans.
Transport in Marseille and Strasbourg stopped as the chaos spread, leaving students and families stranded.
