France braces for fresh nationwide student demonstrations

France prepared for fresh nationwide demonstrations on Tuesday, following weeks of student protests over poor classroom conditions. Authorities and participants were wary of further violence. The demonstrations, backed by unions and the far-left opposition party France Unbowed, included a march through Paris and other cities. The protests began in late September and have seen students block access to secondary schools with obstacles, occasionally clashing with police.

Over 70,000 people took to the streets in Thursday's demonstrations, with around 500 arrests. French authorities had hoped the movement was easing before half-term holidays, but violence was intensifying. Only 130 of France's 3,700 secondary schools were closed on Monday, though violence was a concern. Eight teaching staff members were injured, mostly in the Paris region, Bordeaux, and Lyon.

Students complained they were not being heard and faced repressive tactics. Rights groups accused police of excessive force, and some protesters sustained injuries from police actions. President Macron urged restraint, stating the issues deserved time and discussions. More than 6,800 minors were taken into police custody, and the government promised substitute teachers for affected schools, but the national students' union demanded a significant funding boost. Some parents and students worried about lost lessons and the protests' impact on education.