French PM cautions against further escalation of school protests after 164 arrests

France's Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has cautioned that any further escalation of the country's ongoing student demonstrations would be irresponsible, after 164 people were arrested on Monday.

The protests, which started in Paris and have involved teenagers blocking access to their schools for several days, are linked to concerns over overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of teachers.

Lecornu referred to reports of fireworks, fires and violent incidents near secondary schools, stating that nothing could justify putting students, staff or police officers at risk.

However, a French union representing high school students described the demonstrations as a legitimate reaction to the conditions pupils are currently facing.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that Monday's unrest left 12 security personnel, 12 students and three school staff members injured, with 180 schools affected overall. He gave no further information about those detained.

The wave of protests at French lycées, comparable to sixth form colleges in the UK or high schools in the US, began last week in the Île-de-France region surrounding the capital.