French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has issued a warning against the escalation of student-led protests, labeling recent acts of violence as "irresponsible." His comments follow a volatile Monday that saw 164 individuals arrested across the country. The demonstrations, which originated in the Île-de-France region, have seen students blockading high schools to protest issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and concerns regarding the Parcoursup university application platform.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 180 schools were impacted by the unrest on Monday. According to official figures, the clashes resulted in injuries to 12 students, 12 security personnel, and three staff members. Nuñez characterized the nature of the protests as "urban violence" rather than traditional demonstrations, noting that some participants were masked and equipped with projectiles and fireworks intended for use against police.

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The Union Syndicale Lycéenne, a student representative group, has defended the blockades as a necessary response to a decade of underfunding and policy decisions. The union has encouraged further action, calling for continued school blockades to protest budget austerity. Meanwhile, the political divide has deepened, with Prime Minister Lecornu accusing the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party of inciting the expansion of the movement. LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon rejected these claims, accusing the government of ordering a crackdown on "harmless" students.

Reports indicate that the protests have expanded beyond the Paris area to include regions such as Marseille, Lille, and the Ardennes. Amidst the unrest, investigations have been initiated following reports of injuries, including one instance where a student was reportedly wounded by a crowd-control grenade launcher. While the government has pledged to address the underlying grievances of the education system, it maintains that violent behavior will not be tolerated.

Source: BBC News