Politics

French student protests prompt arrests and political clashes across nationwide schools

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warns against escalation after 164 people are arrested across 180 affected schools.

Updated Sep 28, 2026 · 22:17 UTC2 reports

The short version

High school demonstrations over classroom conditions and teacher shortages led to 164 arrests and affected 180 schools across France on Monday.[BBC News]
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 12 security officers, 12 students, and three school staff members were injured during the unrest.[BBC News]
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned against escalating the protests, clashing politically with far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon over the state response.[BBC News · ABC News]

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned that further escalation in student demonstrations would be irresponsible following 164 arrests on Monday.[BBC News]
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that 180 schools were affected, with 12 security force members, 12 students, and three school staff injured on Monday.[BBC News]
In the southern Alpes-Maritimes region, police arrested 10 high school students on Monday over allegations of setting fires, throwing projectiles, and committing violent acts that injured two students.[ABC News]
A French student union described the ongoing protests as a legitimate response to overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages.[BBC News]
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused the government of ferocious and racially undertoned repression of students, which Prime Minister Lecornu called an insult.[ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.