Schools in France that were closed due to protests will gradually reopen from today. Hundreds of thousands of students, parents and unionists took to the streets to demand smaller classes, filling teacher vacancies and improving conditions in schools. According to the government, 891 secondary schools faced problems or suspended classes. Authorities reported more than 250,000 protesters, while student organizations put the turnout at around 450,000.
The Ministry of Education has called for a phased return to school, with priority given to students in the last years of school. Schools will also hold meetings with students to discuss their demands. In Paris, thousands of protesters marched from Place de la République to Place de la Nation. Police used tear gas during several incidents, while 32 people were arrested and 14 injured. Clashes were also reported in Marseille and Rennes.
The protests have also raised questions about the use of force by the police. Authorities are investigating several incidents in which minors were seriously injured during the demonstrations. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu declared that the government “now must listen.” Student organizations, meanwhile, warn that the mobilization will continue if their demands are not met, while new protests have been announced for Thursday.
