On Thursday, Paris, France’s prime minister convened a crisis meeting and ordered ministers to cancel official trips so that the government could focus on the nationwide spread of student protests. The demonstrations, which began in Paris‑region schools last week, have escalated into violent clashes as high‑school students vent grievances over under‑resourced schools, long hours and other complaints.
Police have made hundreds of arrests in the clashes, and authorities report dozens of injuries. Victims include those struck by objects hurled by protesters and, in some suspected cases, by police riot‑control projectiles.
The unrest has quickly become a hot topic in the campaign to replace President Emmanuel Macron, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term. The protests add pressure on a government already facing growing financial problems.
Far‑left presidential hopeful Jean‑Luc Mélenchon has condemned the government response as repressive, while critics accuse his party of exploiting the unrest for campaign gains and of inciting violence.
