School protests intensified on Tuesday, with students, teachers and parents taking to the streets across France in the biggest day of action yet over staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school buildings.
Protests began peacefully in Marseille, Nantes and Lyon, while the largest demonstration was expected in Paris later in the day.
Hundreds of schools blockaded
The High School Students Union said 1,800 high schools had been blockaded or would close for the day. Some local education authorities attempted to move classes online, although the Education Ministry had not immediately provided figures.
Protesters held smoke flares and placards carrying messages including “Under our school books, anger” and “Where are the politicians? Do they even know we exist?”
The demonstrations follow two weeks of protests that began in deprived suburbs of Paris before spreading nationwide.
The government has responded with riot police, saying the movement has developed into urban violence.
Teenager loses hand in clash
A 15-year-old teenager lost a hand and part of his lower arm during clashes with riot police in northern France on Monday.
The prefect of Pas-de-Calais, François-Xavier Lauch, said around 200 to 250 protesters had thrown objects at police but declined to comment on the exact circumstances surrounding the teenager’s injury.
Regional newspaper La Voix du Nord reported that the teenager lost his hand after picking up a police dispersal grenade.
France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said at least 715 police officers and 215 teenagers had been injured since the protests began.
The Interior Ministry said 6,100 people had been arrested, most of them minors, while the Justice Ministry said more than 1,800 people were being prosecuted, including 1,483 minors.
Government promises response
Lecornu has ordered ministers to address the students’ main demands, including replacing absent teachers, reviewing the 8am-to-6pm school day and considering longer lunch breaks.
The government will also examine repairs needed in ageing school buildings, with ministers asked to submit their first proposals by the end of October.
However, the government faces limited room for additional spending as it attempts to reduce France’s widening budget deficit.
Rising concerns over France’s debt, weak economic growth and public spending have pushed borrowing costs higher, with the 10-year bond yield briefly reaching more than 5% last week.
Protests add pressure ahead of election
The unrest comes six months before an election to replace President Emmanuel Macron.
The government and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally have accused the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party of encouraging the protests. LFI has rejected the accusation.
LFI mayor of Saint-Denis Bally Bagayoko said he opposed violence but supported the protesting students in his community.
Also read: Andrew takes legal action over search warrants
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
