Macron urges respect as French schools protest continues

Paris, October 12 — As of today, approximately 130 French high schools remained closed, according to the education ministry, as authorities sought to quell the ongoing protest movement that has gripped the country in recent weeks. Following a seemingly unrelated incident in Aubagne, a 14-year-old was arrested in southern France after a middle school headmaster and teacher were shot with a hunting rifle.

The student-led protests, which have blocked school entrances across France, have resulted in clashes with riot police and the deployment of several hundred dumpsters and barriers in front of lycees, or high schools for students aged 15 to 18. The grievances of the students have included absent teachers, packed schedules, overcrowded classrooms, and rundown facilities.

At least a few dozen demonstrators protested outside a high school in central Marseille, urging for "real measures and proper dialogue, not repression" from those in charge. Student protests are expected to continue on Tuesday, in the midst of a broader public demonstrations that are anticipated on Saturday, in response to the rising cost of living.

President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation during a visit to the Paris Motor Show, stating that the concerns of the students would take time to address and calling for restraint from protesters. He emphasized the need for calm, orderly dialogue that respects both people and property. Meanwhile, the education ministry reported that 96.5 percent of the nation's 3,700 lycees were open on Monday, although the ministry noted that "the violence is intensifying." Eight teaching staff members were injured on Monday morning, mostly in Paris and Bordeaux.

Most of the demonstrations have been peaceful, though some have involved fires and vandalism. In response to the unrest, the police have resorted to tear gas, batons, and blast balls, leading to accusations of excessive force from rights groups and students. The government recently pledged to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers to support the 114 high schools most affected by the protests.

Police have also opened investigations into 24 alleged acts of brutality against demonstrators since the movement began last month. Over 6,800 individuals, primarily minors, have been taken into police custody.