Riots mar French school protests for 2nd time

French school protests have turned violent for the second time, leading to clashes with police and widespread damage, according to reports. On Tuesday, officers in Paris deployed water cannon and tear gas against rioters who had thrown objects at them and damaged shops and cafes. Demonstrators also set fires, attempted to erect barricades, and stretched a rope to hinder police progress.

A parked car was set ablaze. In Lyon, riot police faced an aggressive group at the forefront of a march, resulting in attacks on officers, shops, and a petrol station, with tear gas being used. Similar confrontations occurred in Strasbourg and Nantes, with tear gas and scuffles reported. While the majority of the protesters were students advocating for better funding and conditions in secondary schools, a small, violent minority distorts their movement.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray stated that this minority was causing the protests to be distorted.

A total of 161,500 people participated in nationwide demonstrations, with 41,500 in Paris alone. Trade unions reported a figure of 480,000 participants. The protests have been ongoing for over two weeks, demanding a ?10 billion increase in education spending, though the budget only allocates ?1.2 billion. Government officials are under pressure to cut spending, with France's national debt reaching its highest level since 1946. Interest payments are now consuming significant funds that could otherwise be used elsewhere.