High school protests over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated facilities have escalated into widespread violence across France, with students setting fires, clashing with police, and leading to hundreds of arrests on Thursday.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis cabinet meeting to address the unrest, which began last week in the Paris region and has since spread nationwide. The government described the situation as "urban violence," making it difficult to maintain normal school operations.

Police reported around 900 demonstrations, blockades, and related incidents outside high schools, with more than 160 schools shut down. Over 1,027 lycées were affected, including 222 with active blockades. University students joined the actions, blocking access to about 30 campuses.

Arrests surged, with 1,949 people detained on Thursday alone and nearly 3,000 since the protests started. More than 300 police officers and dozens of firefighters, teachers, and pupils were injured. Incidents included fires at schools in Nantes and Marseille, where a fire truck was attacked and a teacher was doused with petrol in one case.

The interior ministry noted injuries from thrown objects and fireworks, while some reports mentioned allegations of excessive police force in isolated cases under investigation. Cities including Toulouse, Rennes, Lyon, Lille, and suburbs like Saint-Denis saw significant confrontations.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray is scheduled to meet with pupil representatives on Friday. The government announced plans to shift some classes online to protect staff and students amid the disruptions.

The protests coincide with recent government spending cuts in the 2027 budget, though authorities have condemned the shift from initial grievances to arson and attacks on property and personnel.