Students across France have protested against dilapidated school buildings, stressful exams, long timetables, teacher shortages, and insufficient resources due to budget cuts.

The protests began in Paris last week and escalated across the country, with students blocking schools, setting piled-up trash bins on fire, and holding placards criticising the poor schooling conditions.

The demonstrations later turned violent as the protest led to clashes between the police and students. The police responded after the protesters hurled stones at the police, vandalised bus stops and advertising panels.

Authorities were able to detain over 400 protesters across the country, most of them being teenagers. Dozens were also injured as a result of the violence, including 12 students, three teachers and 12 police officers.

The state’s education ministry said 400 schools were affected by the protests out of about 3,700  schools nationwide.  

Education Minister Édouard Geffray said, “High school students have the right to voice their demands and to demonstrate. Their voices must be heard and listened to. In every high school, democratic bodies allow them to express themselves and engage in dialogue.

“What is unacceptable is the unleashing of violence against our staff and our students. Since the mobilization began, 76 of them have been injured.”

Mr Geffray added that the violence led a young person to lose part of his hand while firing a mortar, with principals and teachers also being targeted and chased by people he described as “thugs.”

“No demand can justify such acts. I say it plainly: this violence must stop. In a democracy, there is only one path: that of dialogue and action.” 

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the violence, describing the “escalation” as “irresponsible,” as the acts endanger students, staff, or police officers.

“The difficulties of high schools must be heard and addressed. Violence must be condemned unequivocally, and its perpetrators must answer for their actions,” Mr Lecornu said.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the recent wave of violence during the demonstrations, acknowledging the issues in the education system and said they would be addressed. 

The national high-school students’ union has called for a nationwide protest on October 6.