Authorities brace for intensified school protests and possible violent clashes on Tuesday
French officials warn that the ongoing high-school blockade could erupt into a violent "black Tuesday" as tensions rise after recent incidents.
The French government is preparing for a potentially violent escalation of the high-school blockade, dubbing the upcoming Tuesday a "black Tuesday" due to fears of coordinated attacks. Over the weekend, violence subsided, but Monday saw confrontations at more than 400 educational institutions across the country. Notable flashpoints include the deliberate fire set at the Louis-Vauquelin lycée in Paris' 13th arrondissement and a serious injury in Lens where a 15-year-old student lost a hand while attempting to pick up a police-used grenade.
Officials say the protest movement has become highly politicised and increasingly militant, drawing in students, parents, teachers and fringe groups. A high-ranking official acknowledged the difficulty of forecasting a decline in the unrest and warned of a massive mobilisation marked by further incidents. Police have already detained thousands of participants, with a large proportion being minors.
Why it matters
Escalating school protests could disrupt education nationwide and trigger broader civil unrest.
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