Paris:Around 1,800 high schools across France experienced disruptions on Tuesday due to protests addressing learning conditions, with many schools being blockaded or closed by education authorities.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Union Syndicale Lyceenne (USL) reported that participation in these demonstrations reached a record level. Students are demanding increased staffing and resources for public education, pointing to issues such as overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and deteriorating school facilities.
Protests erupted in cities including Nantes, Marseille, and Lyon, and student organizations planned a significant rally at Paris' Place de la Republique at 2 pm local time. Education unions supported the movement, urging members to join demonstrations in Paris and about 30 other cities.
The Union Etudiante, representing university students, stated that over 57 university sites faced blockades and that 90% of universities in mainland France were affected by the protests. The unrest also follows growing criticism of police actions after a 15-year-old boy suffered severe injuries from a grenade explosion outside a school in Lens on Monday.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez termed the incident a tragedy, noting that the teenager appeared to have lost a hand due to a stun grenade explosion, though the precise cause remains under investigation. Nunez emphasized the need for proportionate police responses to violence.
Meanwhile, teachers from Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire high school in Etampes accused police of using excessive force during unrest last Thursday, claiming that students and staff were tear-gassed, pushed, and beaten.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that authorities aim to begin reopening the affected schools gradually starting Wednesday. He also promised a response within eight days to address issues related to replacing absent teachers. The Education Ministry has initiated an anonymous online consultation for high school students to submit their concerns and proposals until Oct. 23, with contributions to be summarized nationally at the end of the month to facilitate dialogue with students.