A 15-year-old student has lost a hand after picking up a police grenade during nationwide protests over conditions in French schools.
The teenager was injured on Monday in the northern town of Lens, according to authorities. A police union source said the student appeared to have picked up a sting-ball grenade fired by riot police before it exploded in his hand.
The incident occurred as students across France continued demonstrations over teacher shortages, overcrowded timetables, deteriorating classrooms and school buildings considered unsuitable for rising temperatures.
More than 400 of the country’s 3,700 high schools were partially or completely closed on Monday, according to the Education Ministry. Authorities also said about one-third of the 468 high schools serving teenagers aged 15 to 17 in the Paris region were expected to be closed.
The protests, which began on September 17 at a high school in the Paris suburb of Créteil, have spread across the country. The movement initially emerged in support of teachers protesting staff shortages and inadequate resources.
Some students returned to classes on Monday, while others continued demonstrations outside their schools. In Paris, dozens of students gathered outside Turgot High School, with one sign reading, “We’re missing our lessons to give you one.”
In Bordeaux, some students resumed classes while others demonstrated in the presence of riot police. In Lille, masked protesters reportedly destroyed bus shelters and set fire to bins, prompting police to use tear gas.
The unrest has also been marked by vandalism and clashes with security forces. According to the education minister, 24 schools have been burned or ransacked since the protests began, while more than 5,000 people have been arrested, about 85 per cent of them minors.
The French Human Rights League has accused security forces of using disproportionate methods against protesters, many of whom are underage. Its president, Nathalie Tehio, said there appeared to be insufficient instructions for police to exercise restraint when dealing with children.
The government has defended its response while accusing hard-left activists of taking over the protest movement.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced measures on Sunday to address teacher shortages, including prioritising the filling of long-term vacancies and unfilled positions. He is also due to meet regional leaders to discuss improvements to school infrastructure.
The government is additionally backing legislation that would make people responsible for damaging public property liable for repair costs. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said the proposal could raise questions about parental responsibility when minors are involved in vandalism.
However, CGT labour union leader Sophie Binet criticised the proposal, describing it as a populist measure that could disproportionately affect vulnerable families.
The protests come months before France’s 2027 presidential election, which will determine President Emmanuel Macron’s successor.
