400 French schools closed on Friday as protests escalate into ‘urban violence’ – Europe live

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Published: 2026-10-02T08:21:37.976Z • Permanent link

Riots have engulfed French cities, with thousands of students and parents taking to the streets to protest against government policies. The protests, which began on November 15, have now escalated into "urban violence," with dozens of schools damaged and nearly 3,000 teenagers detained. The violence has been widespread, with reports of looting, arson, and clashes between protesters and police.

French President Emmanuel Macron's government has been under pressure to address concerns over rising living costs, unemployment, and inequality. Macron's education minister, Jean-Baptiste Lemierre, has been accused of failing to address the needs of students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The protests have been organized by the "Féderation Nationale Étudiante" (FNE), a student union that represents over 1 million students across France.

The protests have also been fueled by concerns over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. Many students have been forced to switch to online learning, which has been criticized for being inadequate and unequal. The French government has faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic, with many arguing that it has failed to provide adequate support to students and families.

Consequences for French tech companies are already being felt, with several major players facing significant losses due to the disruption to education. Google, for example, has seen a significant decline in advertising revenue from schools and universities, which have been forced to cancel or suspend online courses. The disruption has also had a major impact on the French education sector, with many schools struggling to adapt to the shift to online learning.

The protests have also raised concerns about the impact on research communities, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Many French universities have been forced to suspend research projects and collaborations due to the lack of funding and resources. The disruption has also had a significant impact on the global economy, with many businesses facing significant losses due to the decline in education.

Historical comparisons can be drawn between the current protests and the student-led movements of the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, students and workers came together to challenge the existing social and economic order, leading to significant reforms and changes in French society. However, the current protests also raise questions about the role of social media and online platforms in mobilizing and organizing protests. The use of social media has been credited with helping to mobilize the protests, but it has also been criticized for amplifying divisive rhetoric and fueling anti-government sentiment.