Paris, Oct 02 (V7N)- High school student protests over conditions in France's education system have spread across the country, with demonstrations and blockades escalating into violent clashes in several cities.
The protests began over concerns including teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, long school hours, inadequate resources and deteriorating school facilities. The movement has since expanded from the Paris region to cities including Marseille, Strasbourg, Lyon and Rennes, with university students also joining the demonstrations.
In response to the worsening situation, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened an emergency inter-ministerial meeting on Thursday and asked ministers to cancel planned travel so the government could focus on the unrest.
Authorities reported that more than 1,900 people were arrested on Thursday, including 1,949 arrests recorded by the Interior Ministry. Officials also reported 305 injured police officers and gendarmes. Students, teachers and other members of the public have also been injured.
More than 160 high schools were shut down, while access to around 30 university campuses was blocked during the peak of Thursday's demonstrations. The Education Ministry later said that more than 400 educational institutions would remain closed on Friday, with remote classes arranged where necessary.
The unrest has included clashes with riot police, fires and damage to public property in several locations. French authorities have described parts of the demonstrations as urban violence, while students and their supporters continue to demand greater investment and improved conditions in schools.
The government has also faced allegations of excessive police force during the demonstrations. French authorities have opened investigations into several incidents involving students, while officials maintain that security measures are necessary to contain violence and protect public property.
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