According to reports, the demonstrations were initially organized by school students over concerns including a shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, long school hours and poor conditions in some school buildings.
The protests later turned violent in parts of Paris and other areas. Demonstrators reportedly damaged vehicles, set fires and threw stones, prompting police to begin making arrests.
More than 400 people were reportedly detained on suspicion of involvement in violence, with a large proportion of those arrested said to be teenagers.
Violent clashes also resulted in dozens of injuries. France’s Education Minister, Édouard Geffray, was quoted as saying that 119 people, including students and school staff, had been injured since the protests began. Several school principals and teachers were reportedly among those injured.
Students involved in the demonstrations said overcrowded classrooms and a lack of teachers were making it difficult to study effectively. They also raised concerns about inadequate facilities and uncomfortable classroom conditions.
The unrest comes as the French government prepares to present its 2027 budget, which is expected to include measures aimed at reducing pressure on public finances.