Macron calls crisis meeting after violent French school protests intensify

Protests over worsening conditions in French schools have turned violent, with masked youths accused of setting fires, attacking staff and clashing with police. The escalation has prompted President Emmanuel Macron to convene a crisis meeting, while raising concerns about the safety of teachers, firefighters and others caught up in the unrest.

Demonstrations began last Monday, with students and education staff seeking substitute teachers, more resources, school renovations and better learning conditions. Reported incidents include staff at a Marseille school being splashed with petrol, an arson fire at a Nantes school and a firefighter injured when a fire engine was set alight; Saint-Denis mayor Bally Bagayoko drew criticism after saying violence could be legitimate. Marseille’s mayor called for calm, and the interior minister condemned attacks and attempted arson.