School protests sweeping France cause ‘heaviest toll in decades’
Summary
Teachers, parents and high school students have taken to the streets across France in protests over understaffing, poor maintenance and lack of funding in schools. Clashes with police have left hundreds injured and led to nearly 500 arrests, deepening pressure on Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s government.
Key Points
- Demonstrations spread across dozens of French cities as teachers, parents and students protested school understaffing, poor maintenance and funding shortages.
- Police used tear gas and water cannons amid clashes that injured at least 215 teenagers, 85 school staff and more than 700 police officers, according to Lecornu’s office.
- The Interior Ministry said 488 people were arrested, while rights groups accused authorities of using disproportionate force against minors.
- The government has promised proposals to address absences, school-day length, lunch breaks and repairs to ageing buildings.
