by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
PARIS (Worthy News) – Tensions remained high across France on Friday after tens of thousands of students and supporters protested deteriorating schools and teacher shortages, amid clashes with police that have left more than 1,000 people injured since demonstrations began last month, according to government figures.
The Interior Ministry said 71,500 people demonstrated nationwide Thursday, including 24,500 in Paris, where protesters gathered near the historic Place de la Bastille before clashes erupted with riot police.
Government figures showed that 215 students, 89 education staff and 761 police officers and gendarmes had been injured during the unrest, bringing the reported total to 1,065.
The demonstrations, now in their fourth week, have been driven by anger over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, deteriorating school buildings and what students describe as excessive police force.
STUDENTS DEMAND CHANGE
In Paris, protesters waved French flags and sang the national anthem before police fired tear gas and carried out baton charges to disperse crowds. Some demonstrators threw paving stones and other projectiles at officers.
The unrest has also left teenagers seriously injured. In the northern town of Lens, a 15-year-old student lost a hand following the use of a police stun grenade, prompting an investigation into the circumstances.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez suspended the use of stun grenades during the student protests pending the investigation. Authorities said 18 incidents involving allegations of police misconduct had been referred to internal investigators.
“Too young to be listened to, but old enough to be teargassed,” read one banner carried by protesters in Paris.
GOVERNMENT PROMISES TEACHERS
Eliane, a 16-year-old student whose surname was not reported, said she joined the Paris march to support pupils attending schools in worse condition than her own. She described the demonstration as “magnificent” and pledged to continue protesting until improvements were made.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced Thursday night that about 3,000 substitute teachers would be deployed by Tuesday to high schools facing severe staffing shortages. He also authorized the recruitment of several hundred additional teachers.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised measures addressing students’ demands, including proposals concerning teacher replacements and education funding.
However, student representatives said the government’s response was insufficient, with some demanding an additional 10 billion euros ($11.6 billion) in emergency funding for France’s struggling education system.
FURTHER PROTESTS PLANNED
An Elabe opinion poll for BFM TV found that 72 percent of respondents considered the students’ demands legitimate, although 55 percent believed the demonstrations should end.
The Education Ministry said 224 high schools were closed Thursday morning, falling to 157 by lunchtime, while approximately 96 percent of the country’s high schools remained at least partly open.
Teachers’ unions have called for another nationwide day of action Tuesday, October 13, raising the prospect of further disruption.
The unrest has become a growing challenge for President Emmanuel Macron’s government as students demand improvements to education and accountability for police conduct in the European Union nation.
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