Hundreds of Thousands Join France-wide Student Protests Over Education Funding
Around 250,000 people marched in French cities on Tuesday, demanding increased education funding as clashes with police were reported in several locations.
More than a quarter-million demonstrators took to the streets in cities across France on Tuesday, marking the largest turnout since the student-led protests began in mid-September. In Paris, police in riot gear used tear-gas canisters as crowds of students, parents and teachers marched along the grand promenades. Authorities said about 300 individuals attempted to confront officers, while the interior ministry described the police response as proportionate in most cases.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, speaking in the National Assembly, said the violence must be condemned "unconditionally." The protests have been ongoing for weeks, with unions joining the demonstrations to call for more funding for schools that face staffing shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating facilities.
Since the movement started, roughly 6,000 arrests have been made and around 300 students and staff, as well as about 700 police officers, have been injured. Student representatives and parents said they will continue to mobilise, with blockades forming around numerous high schools.
"It is important to protest to make our voices heard," said a student speaking through an interpreter.
"We all share the same goal, the protection of children's rights, and it is a legitimate right to demonstrate," said a member of the parent association FCPE.
"They are 17 years old, they know what they are talking about, and it is important to show that adults support them," said an early-childhood professional.
The demonstrations are expected to continue as organizers plan further actions to press the government for increased education resources.