Student protests over crowded and understaffed French high schools spread from the Paris suburbs, and the interior minister said police had arrested about 5,000 people since Monday.
High-school students in France extended protests this week over dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classes and teacher shortages. Reuters reported from Aubervilliers that the movement began in poorer Paris suburbs and reached more than 1,200 high schools.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told TF1 that police had arrested about 5,000 people, most of them teenagers, since Monday. Officers used tear gas and rubber bullets in some places. Reuters reported eye injuries, broken teeth and blows to the head among some protesters.
About 400 high schools, roughly one in ten, were closed on Friday. Education spending in the budget Reuters cited rises 1.7 percent, below inflation. In Seine-Saint-Denis, the CGT said two-thirds of high schools joined Thursday's protests.
Students quoted by Reuters described missing teachers and classes of about 35. A 17-year-old student in Aubervilliers, Maisa, told Reuters she wants to become an English teacher and that the buildings are not conditions in which to study. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said parents of those who damage property should pay for repairs.
Paris police leadership separately urged peaceful action as the movement continued into the weekend. No nationwide settlement had been announced in the reports used here.
People Sentiments Negative
- Student Maisa told Reuters the school buildings are not conditions in which to study.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said about 5,000 people had been arrested since Monday.
- Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said parents should pay for property damage.