Police used tear gas against protesters blocking high schools in France on Tuesday, amid large demonstrations involving students, teachers, and parents. Many protesters carried signs expressing dissatisfaction with the state of education, stating that “the state has killed national education.” While some rallies were peaceful, others in cities like Strasbourg and Lyon turned violent with police intervention and protesters clashing with authorities.
The protests began in September in poorer suburbs of Paris and quickly spread across the country, challenging President Emmanuel Macron’s government, which is facing economic difficulties. The High School Students Union reported that over half of France’s high schools were either blockaded or closed. Some authorities have shifted classes online due to the disruptions. Protesters are demanding more funding to repair and renovate schools facing issues like water leaks and rat infestations.
In response to the protests, the government has deployed riot police, leading to numerous arrests—around 6,100, mostly minors—and injuries among both police officers and teenagers. Concerns have been raised by rights groups about the use of excessive force against young protesters. A particularly alarming incident involved a teenager who lost his hand after handling a police dispersal grenade.
With elections approaching, the government and opposition parties have exchanged blame over the protests. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu promised to address protesters’ concerns, such as ensuring teachers are present in schools, reviewing school hours, and starting repairs on aging buildings. However, parents are skeptical about whether government promises will lead to real changes.
Despite these commitments, the government faces challenges in securing funds for educational reforms while dealing with a rising budget deficit and increased borrowing costs. As France navigates its financial pressure, political figures like Marine Le Pen have proposed cuts to public spending as part of their campaign strategies ahead of the upcoming elections.
With information from Reuters
