Student protests continue in France, more than 5,000 people detained
In France, student protests are not subsiding, and parents and trade unions have also joined them. Participants are demanding solutions to problems related to teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and the condition of school buildings. More than 5,000 people have been detained.
Student protests in France do not stop, over 5,000 people arrested
Protest actions involving school students and university students in France have been continuing for the third week, BBC News writes. CNN notes that this is one of the largest student demonstrations in the country in recent decades.
The initial demonstrations began on September 21 at the Saint-Exupéry Lycée near Paris. Later, they spread to all regions.
Protesters are demanding increased funding for schools, and are also expressing dissatisfaction with the shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated and outdated buildings.
According to the student union L’Union Étudiante, the actions are taking place in more than 30 cities in France — from Lille to Marseille. Some of them have turned into riots and clashes with the police, who used tear gas, water cannons, and batons to disperse the crowds.
The French Ministry of Justice reported that since the start of the protests, more than 5,000 people, mostly minors, have been detained. At least 715 police officers and 215 teenagers were injured during the clashes.
According to L’Union Étudiante, as of October 6, 1,800 schools across the country were blocked or closed, and access roads were blocked at 90 percent of universities. The French government reports that classes have been fully or partially suspended in 891 schools.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu instructed ministers to work on five areas aimed at solving the problems faced by students and school staff. Among them are filling teacher shortages, improving school schedules, and repairing and modernizing school buildings. Initial decisions on these areas must be prepared by the end of October.
The French Ministry of Education launched a nationwide survey for high school students on October 5. Until October 23, they can anonymously express their problems, expectations, and proposals for improving the quality of education.