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Students Torch at Least Two Schools
At least two schools were torched as nationwide demonstrations intensified, and officials said teachers were assaulted and doused with gasoline.
On Thursday, student protesters caused fires at two schools in the country and forced firefighters to flee an attack in the city of Nantes, police reported.
Triggered by unpopular government spending cuts, the demonstrations began last week and have since become a significant political flashpoint for the administration.
At Saint-Exupery High School, hundreds surrounded a fire truck and set it alight, while teachers were "assaulted and doused" in Marseille, authorities said.
The education minister announced Thursday he would meet with parent and student associations on Friday, October 2, 2026, to discuss the escalating situation.
They cite shortages and dilapidated buildings as primary concerns, utilizing blockades to disrupt operations nationwide as tensions continue to intensify.
Buildings, lack of teachers, overcrowded classes in secondary schools: For days, young people in France have been taking to the streets - often accompanied by violence. The government sees a party behind them.
France is witnessing a wave of violent student protests against poor schools and teachers' shortages. In a school in Marseille, the headmaster and other staff have been attacked: "In some cases, fuel may no longer be sold in canisters," reports WORLD reporter Thorsten Kremers.