5 points about the protests in France
The unrest is spreading, and the government has called an emergency meeting.
Here are five points regarding the protests in France.
1. Teachers and students protest
Following a teachers' strike over shortages of resources and staff, high school students in Créteil, near Paris, joined the movement on September 17. They described a dire situation characterized by overcrowded classrooms, a lack of resources, dilapidated buildings, and staffing issues.
The movement subsequently spread rapidly throughout the Paris suburbs—and then across the rest of the country.
2. Hundreds of schools closed
In early October, a decision was made to keep approximately 400 schools closed due to the violent student protests.
Public transport services were suspended in certain areas after staff were injured; meanwhile, many teachers and students reported feeling unsafe at school.
At the same time, further reports emerged regarding "barbaric" acts of violence. During a protest in Marseille, a boy sprayed fire into a woman’s face. The woman sustained first-degree burns, and the boy was arrested.
3. Luxury boutiques and town halls looted
By Saturday, October 17—one month after the initial protests—the situation was described as remaining out of control. Luxury boutiques were looted, and town halls in several cities were stormed.
According to student associations, a total of 800,000 people participated in the protests on Saturday. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 1,800 people were arrested and 150 police officers were injured.
On October 14, the Ministry of Justice stated that approximately 8,000 people had been arrested since the protests began.
4. Macron condemns the violence
President Emmanuel Macron says that there is “no room for violence in France.”
“Those who have committed acts of destruction, attacked prefectures and businesses, and even looted our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” he wrote in a statement on X on October 17.
“We will all stand united against those who sow chaos—those who seek only to topple our institutions and prevent others from peacefully expressing their demands.”
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has also condemned the “looting and destruction.”
The town hall in Limoges, which was burned down. Photo: PASCAL LACHENAUD / AFP
5. Protests spread to other countries
Student protests have also gained momentum outside of France.
In Belgium, schools have been forced to close, and protests have taken place in various Italian cities.
*Corriere della Sera* reports on masked individuals and the throwing of fire extinguishers.
“Thugs are creating chaos,” says Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The protests have also resonated in Albania. On the streets of Tirana, young people have clashed with police, and the Supreme Court building has been set on fire.
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