French student protests expose mounting strain in schools
Police reported about 340 demonstrations and more than 160 school closures by Thursday mid-morning, as students protested overcrowding, staff shortages and deteriorating facilities.
Student protests over school conditions have spread across several French cities, with fires and blockades reported at schools and tram services halted in Strasbourg. Police said hundreds of protesters had been detained.
The demonstrations centre on overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and deteriorating facilities. A student in Strasbourg told AFP that classes of 35, insufficient toilets and water leaks were among the problems.
Police reported about 340 demonstrations outside high schools and more than 160 schools shut by mid-morning on Thursday. A student union said university students had also blocked access to about 30 campuses, including in Paris and Marseille.
Regional education authorities, prefectures and unions reported injuries and assaults involving school staff. Authorities gave no precise injury total. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said internal investigations had been opened into allegations of police brutality involving three students.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting, while Education Minister Édouard Geffray said he would meet staff unions and parent and student groups on Friday. The government accused France Unbowed of encouraging the protests; Jean-Luc Mélenchon said his party had called for nonviolent protest and criticised the government response.
The protests, which reportedly began last week, are unfolding amid the political contest to succeed President Emmanuel Macron next May.
