A week of fury and fire: the violent student protests in France that have left more than 1,000 schools affected and hundreds arrested

France is experiencing a turbulent wave of violent student protests in 2026, characterized by widespread disruptions, property damage, and numerous arrests. The unrest has severely impacted the country's educational infrastructure, leaving more than 1,000 schools affected, numerous educational centers damaged, and hundreds of student demonstrators detained by authorities.

As part of the ongoing wave of civil unrest, a high-profile incident occurred in the city of Metz, where a fire broke out at the François-Rabelais Institute. The local prosecutor's office has launched an official investigation into the late-night blaze, treating the incident as an intentional act amid the heightened tensions surrounding the nationwide student demonstrations.