Paris, Oct 07 (V7N)- Student protests over deteriorating school conditions spread across France on Tuesday, with high school students joined by parents, teachers, university students and trade union members in nationwide demonstrations.
The French Interior Ministry estimated that around 256,000 people took part in protests across the country, while organizers put the figure at about 450,000. The demonstrations were driven by complaints over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school infrastructure and inadequate funding.
In Paris, students marched from Place de la République, demanding increased funding and better facilities for schools while also protesting what they described as excessive police repression.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful in many areas but clashes broke out in several cities. Police used tear gas in Paris and other locations, while riot-control measures were also deployed in cities including Lyon and Rennes. Nearly 500 people were arrested nationwide on Tuesday, according to authorities.
The government said 215 students and 85 education staff had been injured since the movement began, while more than 700 police officers had also been injured. The figures have intensified criticism over the police response and prompted investigations into allegations of excessive force.
The protests have also disrupted schools across the country. Lessons were suspended either fully or partially at 891 of France's roughly 3,700 high schools on Tuesday, according to the Education Ministry. Student organizations said around 1,800 schools had been blockaded or closed.
The movement, which began in late September, has been described by student groups as its third major phase, or “Act Three.” Demonstrators say they want urgent improvements to school buildings, staffing and the overall learning environment.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has condemned violence linked to the protests while acknowledging the concerns raised by students. He said violence would not be tolerated but also pledged to address issues including teacher replacements, school infrastructure and excessive school hours.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray has also called for dialogue and said the government wants to find solutions to the problems facing schools. He has warned that highly violent groups should not be allowed to take control of the student movement.
The protests have also become part of a wider political dispute ahead of France's 2027 presidential election. The left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) has supported the movement, while the government has accused the party of seeking to exploit the unrest for political purposes. LFI has rejected such criticism.
President Emmanuel Macron was due to meet senior ministers on Tuesday evening to assess the situation as pressure mounted on the government to address the students' demands while maintaining public order. Further demonstrations are expected as the movement continues.
END/SMA/AJ
