Paris, Oct 5:
France is facing growing unrest as students and police clashed in several cities amid protests over school conditions and funding.
Around 400 schools were reportedly closed during the latest protests, while teachers’ unions have threatened strike action. Police used tear gas in Strasbourg, while fireworks were directed at police lines in Marseille and rubbish bins were set ablaze in Rennes.
The protests are adding to wider political and economic pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government, which is also struggling with high public debt and a difficult 2027 budget. The government has proposed €54 billion in savings as it seeks to contain its deficit.