France is experiencing widespread school protests led by high school students demanding better education conditions, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warning against further escalation after 164 arrests on Monday. The demonstrations, which began in the Paris region and have since spread across France, stem from student grievances including overcrowded classes and teacher shortages. However, the government has expressed serious concern about reported violence during the blockades, including fireworks and fires, whilst students argue their protests represent a legitimate response to systemic educational failures.

The protests, which started last week in the Île-de-France region, have affected approximately 180 schools and spread to regions including Marseille, Lille and Sedan. On Monday alone, 12 members of the security forces, 12 students and three school staff members were injured, prompting Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to characterise the demonstrations as "urban violence" and the Union Syndicale Lycéenne to defend them as a response to "10 years of Macron's policies" and resource shortages. The confrontations between protesters and police have been escalating, with investigations launched into several incidents including the use of crowd control measures. Students and other unions have called for further action, including further blockades on Tuesday and coordinated strikes by teachers and civil servants.