'Gen Z has risen up': Tens of thousands demand better education in France
Summary
Tens of thousands of students, teachers and union members marched across France demanding better school conditions, as clashes with police left dozens injured and more than 5,000 people arrested. The unrest comes months before France’s 2027 presidential election and has drawn criticism over heavy-handed policing.
Key Points
- Tens of thousands marched across France, led by high school students demanding better learning conditions and safer schools.
- Protests have been marked by violent clashes, with reports of injuries, school burnings and more than 5,000 arrests.
- Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu defended the police response and rejected claims of state-backed repression.
- Amnesty International and unions have accused French authorities of disproportionate force against student demonstrators.
