Politics · France · 1 hr ago
Student protests over French schools spread nationwide
High school students are protesting across France over poor school conditions and other grievances.
The demonstrations began last month at a school in Créteil, southeast of Paris, over a lack of staff, then spread nationwide.
Students cite understaffed, run-down schools, long school days and an admissions system they say is unfair.
Most protesters have been peaceful, but clashes and vandalism have caused injuries and school closures.
Police had made more than 6,600 arrests by last week, and the use of tear gas and other weapons has drawn criticism after teenagers suffered severe injuries.
The protests have become a presidential campaign issue, with candidates taking different positions on students' demands and policing.
France's presidential election is due in April and May, and the debate over the protests is expected to continue during the campaign.
Student protests that began in a Paris suburb have spread nationwide, with blockades, strikes and demonstrations at high schools.
Students cite under-resourced schools, poor facilities and insufficient staff among their grievances.
More than 6,600 people had been arrested nationwide as of last week, while hundreds of schools had closed because of damage or attacks on staff.
Most protesters have been peaceful, but violence and police use of tear gas and batons have drawn attention and criticism.
The protests have become an issue in France’s presidential election campaign.
- Who
- High school students, with some university students also joining. Greta Thunberg joined students in Saint-Denis.
- What
- Nationwide protests involving class strikes, school blockades and demonstrations.
- When
- They began last month and were continuing on Tuesday, according to the article.
- Where
- France, after demonstrations first erupted at a high school in Créteil, southeast of Paris.
- Why
- Students cite under-resourced schools, dilapidated facilities and insufficient staff, among other grievances.
Student protesters
Government and police
Schools and staffing
Student protesters
Students say schools are under-resourced, with dilapidated facilities and insufficient staff.
Government and police
The government has ordered police to break up protests that block access to schools.
Protest policing
Student protesters
Students have suffered serious injuries blamed on police weapons, and police actions have drawn criticism.
Government and police
The government says it respects the right to peaceful protest and has directed police to stop violence and vandalism.
Demonstrations first erupted at a high school in Créteil over a lack of staff.
Class strikes, blockades and demonstrations spread to other Paris suburbs and then nationwide.
Police had made more than 6,600 arrests nationwide.
Greta Thunberg joined students at a high school in Saint-Denis as nationwide marches and strikes continued.
- Arrests
- More than 6,600 nationwide as of last week
- First protest location
- A high school in Créteil, southeast of Paris
- School closures
- Hundreds of schools closed because of damage or attacks on staff
- Greta Thunberg
- Joined students in Saint-Denis on Tuesday
- Presidential election
- Scheduled for April and May
What people are saying
Not stated
Sources
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