France promises 3,000 extra teachers in first step to calm student protests

The French government has made a first concession to student protesters by promising the addition of 3,000 supply teachers to address the ongoing issues with teacher absences and lack of resources in secondary education. Education Minister Edouard Geffray disclosed the plan during a television interview on Thursday evening, following a day of sometimes violent demonstrations by high-school students.

Since the protests began, 6,877 arrests have been made, with 86% of those being under 18 years of age. On Thursday, approximately 71,000 students participated in protests across the country, with 24,000 gathering in Paris' Bastille. Police once again used tear gas to disperse groups attacking them. In Bordeaux, a high school was ransacked, and in Marseille, a deputy-head was assaulted.

Following the government's announcement, about 140 high schools out of the total 3,500 were closed for the day. However, Geffray also mentioned that more financial support would be made available through an existing scheme for teachers willing to work overtime to cover the gaps. Despite the offer, student leaders remain cautious about the government's intentions.