Paris, Oct 7: Student protests that began at a high school in the Paris region in mid-September spread across France on Tuesday, drawing about 266,000 people nationwide, according to the Associated Press.
The demonstrations, now continuing for more than two weeks, began with demands for increased education funding. France’s Interior Ministry said about 56,000 people joined protests in Paris alone.
Most demonstrations remained peaceful, although clashes broke out between some protesters and riot police at a Paris square toward the end of the march. Authorities detained about 500 people on Tuesday.
Students, parents and teachers have criticised police arrests and the use of tear gas and other crowd control measures. Student groups have called for further demonstrations on Wednesday.
More than 6,500 people, most of them minors, have reportedly been arrested since the movement began. A 15-year-old boy lost a hand Monday in an incident involving a police stun grenade. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 715 police officers have also been injured during the protests.
Students are demanding action over inadequate school funding, staff shortages, excessive workloads and deteriorating infrastructure. They say some schools lack basic furniture such as desks and chairs, while others suffer from overheated classrooms and rat infestations.
Students have also complained that French high school students spend more time in compulsory classes than their counterparts in many other European countries. Protesters have highlighted disparities in resources and opportunities at schools in poorer areas.
The Education Ministry said classes were fully or partially suspended at 891 schools nationwide on Tuesday.
Facing criticism for failing to address students’ concerns, the ministry has launched an online portal allowing students to anonymously report problems and suggest changes.
Suzanne Nidaam, president of a student federation, said protests would continue until the government addresses their demands.
“Action is needed now, and the government has the responsibility to meet these demands,” she said. “It is about making young people and the country’s future a political priority.”
The protests add to a series of challenges facing President Emmanuel Macron’s government amid public frustration over fuel prices, spending cuts, poverty and economic inequality.
Student protests have also spread to neighbouring Belgium. More than 30 people were arrested in Liège on Tuesday, where several police officers were injured. Smaller demonstrations were reported in Brussels and other cities.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government and school administrations should listen to students and work toward solutions. Speaking in parliament Tuesday, he condemned “excessive violence” targeting schools and said any alleged misconduct involving police would be investigated.Source: BBC
People’s News Monitoring Service
Login to add a comment