October 8, Kathmandu – Student protests in France demanding increased resources have escalated, affecting hundreds of high schools nationwide. In some areas, there have been instances of vandalism and arson. Injuries have been reported among staff, students, and police personnel. The government has faced mounting criticism after law enforcement used weapons for riot control, resulting in serious injuries to young protesters. This situation has placed significant pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s administration. According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, over 6,100 individuals have been detained by police, and 715 officers have sustained injuries. Minister Nuñez claimed that police responses were appropriate under the circumstances in most incidents, which has further fueled public outrage.
The demonstrations, initially launched to demand additional resources, center on the issue that students from underprivileged schools lack sufficient support and opportunities, despite France’s national motto of “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.” Protesters have called for addressing basic needs such as desks, benches, and chairs inside classrooms, and have highlighted problems like overheated classrooms due to lack of air conditioning, as well as staff shortages. Beginning in mid-September in the Paris region, the protests have spread to other cities and towns. In solidarity with the high school movement, labor unions have also organized rallies. At a demonstration in Paris on Tuesday, participants carried placards bearing messages such as “You say young people are the future, so listen to them.”
