'Everyone hates the police' – what France's school protests reveal about a divided nation
Students across France are protesting against poor school infrastructure, including staff shortages and dilapidated facilities. The movement has escalated into violent clashes with police, becoming a significant political issue ahead of the presidential election.
Why it matters
The unrest highlights deep-seated social inequality and public dissatisfaction with government services in France, potentially influencing upcoming national elections.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Hundreds of thousands of students have protested across France since the end of last month
As dustbins burn and students chant "everyone hates the police" in the French city of Lille, one teenager explains why he and his friends have taken to the streets.
"There aren't even enough chairs. We have to go and find some at the start of every lesson," the 16-year-old, who did not want to give his name, says of his school.
"We've got 50 minutes to eat at lunchtime but there are 2,000 of us that need to get through the canteen."
He is one of hundreds of thousands of students who have protested across France since the end of last month over staff shortages and dilapidated facilities in the country's lycées, secondary schools attended by 15 to 18-year-olds.
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
‘Fighting for our future’: France high school students vow no let-up
French student protesters vow to keep up their fight after scoring first win
Stun grenades, severed hand: France's student protests put police under scrutiny
Fires, barricades, and fraternité: 7 photos show the scale of the protests sweeping France
France's school protests: What lies behind the anger
French high school protests continue despite PM’s promise of action – Europe live
Live: Police fire tear gas at student protesters in Paris ahead of afternoon marches nationwide
BreakThrough News and Singham network run propaganda for French student protests
French police clash with protesters at students’ demonstration in Paris
Gruesome injuries throw spotlight on France’s policing of high school protests - NBC News
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in