French Students Resume Protests, Leading to Nearly 200 School Closures
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a fresh wave of nationwide protests by French students commenced on Tuesday, leading to the closure of around 200 educational institutions throughout France. This latest action represents the fifth round of student demonstrations.
Reports from Le Parisien indicate that marches began in cities such as Lyon and Nantes, with students also blocking entrances to several schools in Paris, Rennes, and Strasbourg. French Education Minister Édouard Geffray stated in an interview with France Inter radio that the number of closed educational centers, approximately 200, is lower than the previous week. He also noted that the high school consultation system has received 86,000 contributions, and nearly a thousand contract teachers are being recruited to bolster substitute teacher capacity.
In Paris, students, parents, and teachers gathered near the Hélène Boucher high school. Protesters also obstructed parts of the entrances to Turgot and Montaigne high schools. Paris-Panthéon-Assas University transitioned to virtual classes following disruptions on its campuses. A police source reported clashes between two groups near the university, with students stating one of their peers was injured.
Teacher unions, including FSU-SNUipp and SNES-FSU, have urged their members to join the protests. Common demands from both teachers and students include increased public education funding, improved working conditions, and higher wages. Protesters are also calling for reforms in educational policies and the Parcoursup university admissions system.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was present at a gathering outside the Paul Éluard high school in Saint-Denis, north of Paris. Approximately 20 lawyers formed a human chain around the students to show their support. Thunberg described the police’s handling of the young protesters as “extremely violent” in an interview with BFM TV, emphasizing that students are protesting to achieve basic demands and that police should protect young people.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged protesters to remain calm and to respect individuals and public property. According to Le Parisien, over 6,800 individuals, the vast majority of whom are minors, have been arrested since the movement began. The General Inspectorate of the National Police has opened 24 investigations into suspected cases of police misconduct.
