Students and teachers march in France on biggest day of high school protests
Summary
Students, teachers and parents have marched across France as schools were blockaded in the biggest day of protests over understaffed and dilapidated classrooms. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has ordered ministers to address demands including teacher absences, school hours and repairs to ageing buildings.
Key Points
- Students, teachers and parents held nationwide marches in France and blockaded hundreds of schools, demanding action on understaffed and dilapidated classrooms.
- Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ordered ministers to prepare proposals on teacher replacement, school hours, lunch breaks and school repairs by the end of October.
- The protests have led to thousands of arrests and injuries, while also increasing pressure on France’s government amid concerns over debt and budget deficits.
- Opposition and local officials have accused hard-left lawmakers of stoking unrest, allegations denied by France Unbowed.
