Paris:Thousands of students took to the streets across France on Tuesday, leading to clashes in several cities and significant disruptions in education. Demonstrators are calling for increased funding and improved study conditions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Interior Ministry reported 161,500 demonstrators nationwide, with 41,500 in Paris alone. However, the youth inter-union group estimated the turnout at nearly 480,000. In Paris, police used water cannons on Boulevard des Invalides after tensions flared as protesters dispersed near Place Vauban. Clashes also occurred in Rennes, Nantes, and Strasbourg, where police deployed tear gas.
In Lyon, the Rhone prefecture recorded 11,000 protesters, resulting in nine arrests and five injuries, including four police officers or gendarmes. Authorities noted several hundred people attacked businesses, street furniture, and security forces.
The Education Ministry reported 214 school closures, while the Higher Education Ministry claimed that 35% of institutions experienced disruptions. A student union argued that 90% of faculties were blockaded or closed. Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that 88,000 high school students had engaged with the government's consultation platform, and the high school students' union plans to meet with him on Thursday.
The Ministry noted that 147 education staff had been injured since the protests began, with 20 injuries occurring on Monday alone, including five school principals. Today's injuries mark the second-highest daily toll for staff since the protests began, following October 1.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined protesters outside the Paul-Eluard high school in Saint-Denis, criticizing the police's "extremely violent" response to young demonstrators demanding basic rights. France's Human Rights League reported around 100 complaints of alleged police violence through an online platform designed to document such incidents.
The protests focus on demands for greater education spending and criticism of the Parcoursup university admissions platform. President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and respect for people and property. Since the movement began, over 6,800 people, mostly minors, have been detained, and police watchdog IGPN has launched 36 investigations into suspected police violence.
Sophie Binet, leader of France's CGT trade union confederation, has called for a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations on November 5, advocating for higher wages, increased public-service funding, and the withdrawal of the government's austerity budget.