France braces for fresh nationwide student demonstrations

France prepared on Tuesday for new nationwide demonstrations as students continue to protest poor classroom conditions. The mobilization, which includes a march through Paris and marches in other cities, is backed by unions and the far-left France Unbowed party. RFI English reports that student and teacher unions have accused the government of failing to offer concrete solutions while continuing to crack down on demonstrators.

The protests, which began in late September, have involved students using rubbish bins and other obstacles to block access to secondary schools, occasionally resulting in clashes with police. According to Free Malaysia Today and Channel News Asia, previous demonstrations on Thursday drew more than 70,000 people to the streets across France and led to approximately 500 arrests.

The education ministry stated on Monday that while the number of school closures is falling, violence is intensifying. On that day, 130 of France's 3,700 lycees were closed. Both The Local France and Japan Today noted that authorities and participants are wary of further violence during the Tuesday demonstrations.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Local France, RFI English, Japan Today, Free Malaysia Today, Channel News Asia — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.