Police used tear gas in Paris and other French cities to manage over 250,000 demonstrators rallying for increased education funding. The protests challenge President Emmanuel Macron’s administration as pupils blockaded schools in several cities, demanding better resources.
Interior Ministry reports indicate 256,000 participants across France, with 56,000 in Paris. Demonstrations were mostly peaceful, yet small groups clashed with police in some areas. Arrests, tear gas, and crowd-control tactics have incited defiance among protesters, mainly teenagers, and angered some parents and teachers.
Protests Span Nationwide
The movement began at a high school in the Paris region in September and has since become a national effort. Léa Monimart, a demonstrator in Lille, emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of 17-year-olds advocating for their educational future.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that police actions were generally appropriate, although some protests escalated into riots. However, the use of force against minors continues to draw criticism. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for dialogue with students and pledged to investigate any incidents of police misconduct.
Class Boycotts and Arrests
Protests have resulted in over two weeks of class boycotts and more than 6,100 arrests, mostly of minors. Felix Barney, a university student, criticized the police response as excessive. Lawmaker Aurélien Le Coq condemned the violence, which has caused significant injuries, including a 15-year-old losing a hand due to a police stun grenade.
The teenage protests resonate amid broader economic and social discontent in France. Rising fuel prices, constraints on public spending, and growing poverty add to the frustration. Students’ concerns about endangering their future due to lack of education funding have gained empathy from the public.
Government and Schools Respond
Authorities closed hundreds of schools to reduce protest intensity. By Tuesday, 891 schools partially or fully shut down, according to the Education Ministry. The ministry introduced an online portal for students to share their grievances anonymously in response to claims of being unresponsive.
Calls for Action and Support
Parents and teachers have joined the protests, emphasizing the shared objective of protecting children’s rights. Emilia Sichili Suriam, a parent association member, highlighted the unity among parents, teachers, and other adults supporting students’ rights to protest.
Students have complained about inadequate resources, such as rundown classrooms lacking essential equipment like desks, chairs, and air conditioning. Additionally, some schools deal with staff shortages and heavy workloads, leading to dissatisfaction.
Suzanne Nijdam, head of the student association federation, affirmed the continuation of protests until demands are met. She urged the government to prioritize addressing the issues affecting youth and the nation’s future.