More than 400 schools remained closed in France Friday as violent clashes between students and police continued amid nationwide protests over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and poor school conditions.
The demonstrations, which began in Paris last month, have spread to cities including Strasbourg, Lyon, Lille and Marseille. Students have blockaded schools, while some protesters have set fire to rubbish bins and thrown objects at police. Officers have responded with tear gas and other crowd-control measures. Students say the education system is under-resourced, with overcrowded classrooms, absent teachers who are not being replaced and schools in poor condition. One 15-year-old student in Pantin told Reuters there were 35 students in her class and not enough chairs.
More than 400 schools were affected by the protests, while hundreds of teenagers have been detained. Police said around 2,000 people were taken into custody on Thursday alone. The unrest has also resulted in injuries. Two students reportedly suffered serious injuries after allegedly being struck by crowd-control rounds, while dozens of police officers and education staff have also been hurt.
Amnesty International has accused police of using disproportionate force against minors, including batons, tear gas and non-lethal weapons. France’s Interior Ministry says police have acted in a necessary and proportionate manner, while three investigations into alleged police violence have been opened.
Student representatives have called for the protests to remain peaceful, distancing themselves from the violence. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin says the situation has moved beyond student protests and has become a public-order issue.
Nationwide union-led protests in support of the high school students are planned for Tuesday, as the government continues efforts to bring the escalating unrest under control.
