What happened
Hundreds of thousands of people, including high-school pupils, university students, and union members, have taken to the streets across France, protesting for more resources for schools and an end to what they call police repression. The protests, which began in mid-September, have spread to almost a quarter of all high schools in the country.
Police clashed with demonstrators in several cities, using tear gas in Paris and Marseille, and water cannon in Rennes. According to the government, 215 students, 85 staff, and 715 police officers have been hurt since the protests began. The government reported disruption in 891 high schools and over 250,000 demonstrators on the streets, while students' unions estimated 450,000 protesters and 1,800 blockaded schools.
In Marseille, thousands of demonstrators marched through the city, chanting and attempting to barricade themselves off from police. Riot officers fired tear gas, dispersing the protesters. Students expressed concerns about poor school conditions, including leaking ceilings, and demanded better measures from the government.
The prime minister accused the radical-left France Unbowed party of seeking to sow chaos ahead of presidential elections, while the education minister appealed for dialogue and complained of ultra-violent elements infiltrating the student movements. Further protests are planned for Thursday, with France's biggest union, the CGT, involved.
