Demonstrations backing France’s protesting students gather strength
Some 161,500 people turned out for the rallies, more than double the estimate, to support high school students demanding better conditions.
High school students and French unions demonstrated nationwide on Tuesday to back protesting students and demand better school conditions, challenging President Emmanuel Macron's administration. About 161,500 participants, double the previous estimate, turned out across France, according to the interior ministry. Despite most protests being peaceful, clashes occurred in Paris, with some cars set ablaze and tear gas used by police in Invalides square and Lyon.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined the demonstrations in Paris, citing the need to protect the future. The government launched a parliamentary debate on a budget-cutting proposal, facing opposition from both left and right, amid rising debt concerns. As national demonstrations on living costs are scheduled for Saturday, student groups and unions anticipate the protests to merge.
Students received support from the far-left opposition LFI party. Participants voiced solidarity with struggling high schools and demanded real measures and dialogue, not repression. Some students suffered injuries during the protests, with police investigating 36 violence allegations and nearly 900 officers injured. Education ministry reports 214 schools, mostly high schools, closed on Tuesday, while unions reported 90% of universities closed across the country.
Students remain determined to push for their demands, dismissing a government offer to send substitute teachers to affected schools.
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