What is fueling French school protests?
PARIS, France — Protests by teenagers outside their schools have shaken France in recent days, with students blockading entrances to their institutions and security forces on occasion responding with tear gas. The government has said that while the grievances may be legitimate, violence is not and has accused the hard-left of whipping up the movement. Critics have meanwhile accused some police of…
In recent days, protests by teenagers outside their French schools have caused tension, with students barricading school entrances and authorities using tear gas on some occasions. The government maintains that while the students' grievances may be valid, the use of violence is not acceptable and has blamed the hard-left for inciting the movement. Opponents, however, have criticized certain police actions, alleging heavy-handed force against the protesters, who are legally still considered minors.
Since Monday, over 5,000 individuals have been arrested, according to the interior ministry, while approximately 735 educational establishments were impacted on Friday, as reported by the education minister. Although a lull may occur over the weekend, a major new day of protest is scheduled for Tuesday.
The protests primarily target lycees, the schools where French teens aged 15-18, equivalent to high school in the United States and sixth form in the United Kingdom, complete their final years of education. The students' grievances are diverse, but the primary issues include teacher absences and the conditions in classrooms.
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- What is fueling French school protests? koreatimes.co.kr
