Paris, Oct 2:
France faced growing unrest on Thursday as high-school students stepped up protests over education conditions, forcing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to convene an inter-ministerial crisis meeting.
The protests, which began around the Paris region about a week ago, have spread to cities across the country. Students have blocked schools and university campuses, demanding greater funding, replacement of absent teachers, renovation of school buildings and better learning conditions. Concerns have also been raised over pressure associated with the Parcoursup university admissions system.
According to French authorities, 356 high schools were affected by blockades on Wednesday, up from 338 the previous day. Around 30 university campuses were also reported to have joined the movement on Thursday.
The demonstrations have increasingly involved clashes with police. More than 600 people were detained during Wednesday’s protests, while 83 police officers and gendarmes were reported injured.
The unrest has also produced incidents of violence at schools. Reuters reported that a headteacher was doused with petrol and that fires were started at several schools. Authorities have responded with increased police deployment in areas affected by the protests.
The government is now under pressure to address the students’ complaints while preventing further violence and disruption to education.