French high school blockades continue as protests spread to universities

French high school students continued to block their schools on Thursday as protests demanding better learning conditions spread to several universities across the country, according to broadcaster BFMTV.

At least 27 high schools in Paris experienced disruptions, while a large garbage fire was lit near the gate of a high school in the Seine-Saint-Denis department.

In Nice, students from three high schools were also called on to gather outside that same school.

Several hundred high school students came together in Lyon where the mobilization was reported to be unprecedented, with former students also included. Although the actions remained peaceful, police officers were positioned nearby.

In the Rhone department, 27 schools were also affected by the disruptions. Mortar fireworks were reported near several high schools in Lyon while the prefecture also reported a fire on the facade of another school.

Barricades were also erected and fires were lit in Lille as well.

In Marseille, several buses were attacked near high schools and a marine fire brigade vehicle was set on fire. At least 15 people were reported to be in police custody with minors constituting the majority.

The regional transport authority completely suspended all bus, tram, and metro lines across Marseille on Thursday due to the disruptions related to the students' movement. Around 45 fires were also reported in Marseille.

Strasbourg's public transport company similarly announced that none of its tram lines were running. The Grenoble public transport network also announced the suspension of all bus and tram services.

In Nantes, a fire broke out at a high school during the protests and was later brought under control. Authorities, however, reported significant damage especially to facades, roofs and classrooms.

Authorities reported arrests and detentions across several French regions, including 18 in Loire-Atlantique, 24 in Alpes-Maritimes, 12 in Aude and 34 in the Rhone region.

The Ile-de-France region announced that the cost of damage to high schools in the region amounted to more than €1 million ($1.1 million) as over 200 high schools reportedly were disrupted.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu convened an interministerial crisis cell during the day while all ministerial trips were cancelled until at least Monday.

Alongside high schools, more than 26 universities were also blocked across the country. The movement reportedly spread to the main campuses of the University of Strasbourg, Aix-Marseille University, the University of Poitiers and Paul-Valery University.