Student unions vowed to maintain pressure after the education ministry reported 141 schools shut nationwide. The government is deploying 3000 additional teachers while protests over school conditions enter a third week.
French student unions said Friday they would continue protests after what they called a first win, with the education ministry reporting 141 secondary schools still closed across the country. The movement, focused on understaffed and poorly maintained schools, has spread from Paris suburbs to nationwide actions over several weeks.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the ministry is urgently contacting about 3000 spare teachers for assignment to schools with the greatest needs. More than 100 teaching staff have been injured in protests so far. Student and teacher unions called for further nationwide action next Tuesday.
Interior Ministry figures for Thursday showed 71500 participants including 24500 in Paris. Some demonstrations saw violence, arrests and property damage. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has promised policy responses later in the month after reviewing public submissions.
The protests have drawn support from some university students and unions, testing the government amid budget pressures.
People Sentiments Negative
- Student leaders said demands must be heard and called further marches.
- Geffray said more than 100 teaching staff have been injured.