New Delhi: More than 2.5 lakh people took to the streets across France on Tuesday in support of high school students demanding increased funding for education,
as demonstrations that began in the Paris region last month spread nationwide.
French riot police used tear gas and other crowd-control measures in Paris and several other cities as some protests turned violent. The Interior Ministry said around 2.66 lakh people participated in demonstrations nationwide, including 56,000 in Paris. Nearly 500 people were detained on Tuesday, according to authorities.
Students protest over school funding, poor infrastructure
The movement began with high school students blockading schools and boycotting classes in mid-September. Protesters have since raised concerns about inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, staff shortages and deteriorating school buildings.
Students in several schools have reported classrooms lacking basic facilities, while some schools face problems including poor maintenance and shortages of teachers. The protests have also drawn support from parents, teachers, unions and other groups.
The Education Ministry said classes were fully or partially suspended at 891 schools on Tuesday. Authorities have closed several schools in an effort to prevent further damage and injuries.
The demonstrations have increasingly led to clashes between protesters and police. More than 6,500 people, most of them minors, have been arrested since the protests began, according to French authorities.
Police response sparks anger as protests continue
The use of tear gas, batons and other riot-control weapons against teenage protesters has drawn criticism from parents, teachers and rights groups. A 15-year-old boy also lost a hand in an incident involving a police stun grenade earlier this week. The government has said incidents involving police will be investigated.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez defended the police response, saying it had been proportionate in almost all cases and arguing that officers had to intervene when demonstrations turned into riots.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, meanwhile, said the government needed to listen to students and find solutions to their concerns. The Education Ministry has launched an online portal allowing students to anonymously submit complaints and proposals.
Student groups have vowed to continue demonstrations, with some calling for further protests later this week. The unrest has added to pressure on the French government as it grapples with political and economic challenges ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
