More Than 250,000 Protest in France Over School Conditions

Students, teachers and parents have taken to the streets across France demanding improvements to school environments and educational facilities. Organisers said more than 250,000 people joined demonstrations across the country on Tuesday (October 6).

Police estimated that around 200,000 people participated in protests in different cities, including approximately 56,000 in Paris.

Most demonstrations remained peaceful, but clashes broke out between protesters and police in Paris and several other areas. Riot police used tear gas and batons to control the situation. Police said around 500 people were arrested on Tuesday, while 43 police officers were injured.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said at least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff members had been injured during the protests, which have continued for more than two weeks. He described the situation as the most serious damage to the country’s education system in several decades.

Meanwhile, several trade unions and human rights organisations have accused police of using excessive force. Amnesty International has also called for an end to what it described as “disproportionate police repression” against young protesters.

The demonstrations, initially focused on improving conditions and facilities in schools, have grown into a wider movement, placing renewed attention on the state of France’s education system.