French police confront students in nationwide education protests

Police forces engaged with thousands of student protesters across more than 700 schools in France on Friday, responding to demonstrations over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school facilities. The unrest, which began in Paris last week, spread to cities such as Montpellier, Nantes, Marseille, Belfort, Strasbourg and Rennes.

In Belfort, a 17-year-old was detained on suspicion of attempted homicide after a police officer was attacked, with video footage later verified showing the officer being beaten near a school. At least 65 school staff members have been reported injured, according to the education ministry.

Police used tear gas in Strasbourg and made arrests in the Paris suburb of Pantin after projectiles were thrown. Authorities also seized items such as petrol bombs, an axe and fireworks from demonstrators.

"As far as we're concerned, we've won – our school is closed this morning," said Lola, a 16-year-old protester, to AFP.

"It makes us even angrier – the police have no right to hit us or use tear gas on us," she added.

Significant damage to school property was reported, including a fire that destroyed the glass entrance of Nelson Mandela high school in Nantes, causing more than €2 million in losses. The education ministry said attacks targeted gates, entrances and fences.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray told BFMTV that the movement had been taken over by individuals who were not students, while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said prosecutors would consider holding parents liable for repairs. He noted that about 2,000 people, most of them minors, have been taken into custody since the protests began.

Parents expressed concern for their children's safety amid the escalating violence, with one mother in southern Paris saying she feared the situation could worsen.