French PM Addresses Student Demands as Protests Shut Hundreds of Schools, Lead to 6,000 Detentions

French PM Sébastien Lecornu pledged to respond by late October but stopped short of meeting student demands, as protesters took to the streets Thursday for nationwide demonstrations dubbed “Act IV.”

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu sought Wednesday evening to ease a growing national school crisis, rejecting accusations of a police crackdown and promising a comprehensive government response at the end of October as students press for more resources, building repairs and additional teachers. 

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In a televised address, Lecornu acknowledged concerns raised by high school students while indicating that the government could not meet their main demands. He also addressed complaints surrounding Parcoursup, the higher education application platform, and announced measures concerning diesel prices as France confronts other crises. 

His remarks came ahead of another round of high school and university demonstrations Thursday, described as “Act IV.” Tuesday’s “Act III” drew between 266,000 and 450,000 demonstrators across France, including students, teachers and trade union delegates, without major incidents. 

The unrest began with a demonstration backing striking teachers at a suburban high school north of Paris before expanding into a nationwide movement. Hundreds of schools have since been forced to close, while more than 6,000 people have been taken into police custody in recent weeks. Most were minors with no previous criminal records.

Students, teachers and police officers have been injured during the unrest. In Lens, in northeastern France, one student lost his hand after reportedly picking up a grenade. 

Hundreds of French schools remain closed amid protests

The Ministry of National Education said Thursday morning that “224 schools were completely closed, and 151 were partially reopening,” based on projected figures.

“The decline continues, with approximately 30% fewer schools affected compared to the same time yesterday,” the ministry said, adding that “94% of schools are therefore open, either fully or partially.”

Lecornu said “the dialogue sessions initiated” would continue beginning Thursday “in every high school and until next week.” A dialogue platform established by the Ministry of National Education has received more than 40,000 contributions.

French interior minister rejects accusations of police repression

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, meanwhile, defended the government’s public-order response before the National Assembly. Appearing before members of the Law Committee, Nuñez rejected calls for a policy change and said it was “excessive to speak of police repression .”

Representatives of several high school and university student organizations have requested a meeting with Lecornu, citing the absence of “concrete measures” announced so far by the Ministers of Education and Higher Education.