French students clash with police as protests over education cuts spread
French secondary school students have blocked schools across France, demanding better learning conditions.
By Tuesday, protests over subpar educational facilities had erupted in 338 French high schools, according to the Education Ministry in Paris. At noon, access to 40 high schools remained completely blocked, while protesters at another 44 schools were attempting to establish their own blockades. These demonstrations led to 40 arrests and 10 injuries, affecting both students and teachers.
The USL high school students' union reported a total of 400 blockaded schools. The protests, centered around inadequate funding, insufficient teachers, and deteriorating school infrastructure, began at secondary schools in the Greater Paris area on Friday.
On Monday, the protests escalated, resulting in dozens of injuries and at least 164 arrests across several French cities. The government condemned the violence, but unions cautioned against deploying police against what they deemed legitimate protests by young people. Tuesday coincided with a nationwide strike in France's public sector, which centers on anticipated budget cuts in the upcoming year's budget proposal by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
The strike reflects the need for billions of euros in savings due to France's record-high national debt.
The centrist coalition led by President Emmanuel Macron struggles to maintain a majority in the government. In an effort to reach a compromise, Lecornu intends to involve the Socialists, similar to last year. However, with the presidential election approaching next year, it is unlikely that radical budget cuts will be implemented.
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