How student protests grew into a nationwide crisis in France
French high school students began protesting over conditions in their schools, citing long hours, inadequate facilities, and frequent staff absences. The protests have grown into a nationwide movement, with teachers, parents, and union activists joining students over the past two weeks. Nearly 5,000 people have been arrested as demonstrations have spread, with police reporting rising violence. More than 250,000 people marched across France, and students continue blockading schools to press demands for more resources in the education system.

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The story so far
5 developments- Oct 2New clashes erupt as protests disrupt over 560 French schools
- Oct 3France Student Protests Spread as Nearly 5,000 Arrested
- Oct 5What to expect from school protests rattling France's government
- Oct 6Protesting pupils blockade French high schools again, testing a weekslong movement
- Oct 6Photos Show Scenes of Unrest as French Student Protest Goes Nationwide
Who covered each development
The bigger story
This story is one of several related ones. Here's where it sits.
Left
8 viewpointsProtests spread across France, growing from school demonstrations
Center
12 viewpointsFrench police clash with high school protesters demanding change
Photos show protests across France as students demand more school resources
Right
6 viewpointsFrance’s riots are no ordinary protests — they’re an intifada in the heart of Europe
Violent student unrest in France rages as protestors demand better classroom conditions, clash with riot police
You Vote: On the protests in France, is it mainly over student issues, or mass migration and Islam?
Other outlets
International, entertainment and tech outlets, by their rating. Not counted in the bar above. How we count coverage
Left
5 articlesDemonstrators clash with riot police in France as education protests mount
Schools blockaded as tens of thousands of protesters take to streets in France
The Guardian view on the French school protests: the political class needs to heed the voice of students | Editorial
Center
0 articlesNone
Right
0 articlesNone