French authorities arrested 164 people during a wave of student demonstrations tied to discontent over conditions in schools, officials said. The protests, which have centred on complaints such as overcrowded classes, prompted a strong response from the government after some incidents reportedly turned violent.
The demonstrations drew young people and pupils to school sites and nearby streets to press demands about education quality and infrastructure. Organisers have highlighted overcrowding as a primary grievance, saying it undermines teaching and learning, although the protests have varied in size and focus across different locations.
The prime minister publicly condemned reports of violence linked to the demonstrations and warned organisers and participants against any escalation. He stressed the need to avoid disorder and signalled that the authorities would act to maintain public order while calling for concerns to be addressed through dialogue and legal channels.
Police and local officials have been tasked with managing the situation and processing those arrested, with further investigations expected into incidents that turned violent. Education and political leaders face pressure to propose concrete responses to the students' complaints while balancing the imperative of keeping schools safe and open.