French high schools continued to be affected by protests on Monday, with approximately 130 schools closed. The ongoing protests have been sparked by concerns over absent teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and poor school infrastructure. Students have been blocking school entrances and clashing with riot police, leading to violent confrontations. The protests have been ongoing for several weeks, with more demonstrations planned for Tuesday and broader public protests against rising living costs expected by Saturday.
The protests have resulted in injuries, with eight teachers reportedly hurt on Monday morning, mainly in the Paris region and cities such as Bordeaux and Lyon. While most demonstrations have been peaceful, some protesters have resorted to vandalism, including setting fires and damaging bus stops. In response, police have used tear gas, batons, and stun grenades, sparking criticism from human rights groups and students over excessive use of force.
French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the situation, stating that addressing students' grievances will take time, consultation, and respect. He urged protesters to remain calm and orderly, respecting both people and property. Macron's comments come as the government attempts to find a resolution to the crisis. The education department reported that most affected schools were open on Monday, despite the ongoing protests.
The government has pledged to deploy around 3,000 substitute teachers to replace absent staff at the 114 schools most affected by the protests. This move aims to alleviate some of the pressure on the education system and address students' concerns. Separately, police have launched internal investigations into 24 allegations of violence against protesters since the movement began last month.
The protests have resulted in over 6,800 people, mostly minors, being taken into police custody since the movement started. The situation remains tense, with further demonstrations planned. Authorities are working to restore order and address the underlying issues driving the protests. The upcoming school break provides a potential window for the situation to calm down.
A separate incident occurred on Monday in the southern town of Aubagne, near Marseille, where a 14-year-old was detained after a school principal and teacher were shot with a hunting rifle at a middle school. While this incident does not appear to be directly linked to the protests, it highlights the ongoing security concerns in French schools.
As the situation continues to unfold, the French government faces pressure to address the root causes of the protests and find a lasting solution. The protests have disrupted the education system and raised concerns about the well-being of students and staff. With further demonstrations planned, authorities will need to balance maintaining order with addressing the grievances driving the protests.
Key points
- About 130 French high schools remained closed on Monday amid ongoing protests.
- The protests have been sparked by concerns over absent teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and poor school infrastructure.
- The government has pledged to deploy around 3,000 substitute teachers to address some of the pressure on the education system.
