Violence Escalates in November 2026 Educational Protests as Deputy Mayor Attacked in Chelles

On November 10, during a nationwide day of educational protests in France, tensions escalated sharply when Angela Pascoa Dos Santos, the deputy mayor of Chelles, was attacked with a bottle of gasoline while trying to mediate at the Gaston-Bachelard high school. This incident, which led to a complaint and an investigation for attempted homicide, involved three high school students who were arrested. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, emphasizing that such violence "has no place in democracy," and demanded harsh penalties for the perpetrators.

The day saw continued unrest in the education sector, with 49 out of 3,700 high schools blocked and 1.6% of teachers on strike, while university disruptions affected 25% of higher education institutions. Protests remained largely peaceful elsewhere, including in Paris where thousands demonstrated, and in Toulouse where approximately 3,500 youth marched to express concerns over low education wages. However, damage was reported in Aix-en-Provence where a fire destroyed part of a high school.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray called for collective responsibility to distinguish between legitimate protest and violence. Meanwhile, university presidents urged an end to blockades, denouncing the "irresponsibility" of the occupying students. The Union of High School Students criticized the government for failing to address core issues, linking this neglect to the increase in violence. The youth inter-union has announced plans for further protests, including a national mobilization set for November 17.