Record-breaking protests – one in two schools closed
1,800 of France’s 3,700 high schools are closed during the biggest day of student protests so far, according to the student union as cited by Sky News.
Organizers say 450,000 people are out on the streets, while official figures put the number at 256,000. Violence has once again erupted between demonstrators and police in several cities.
The government condemns the violence and accuses left-wing politicians of stoking it for political reasons. Several left-wing politicians have expressed support for the students' demands.
The students are protesting against a lack of resources and poor conditions in schools—including teacher shortages, overloaded schedules, and dilapidated school buildings and classrooms.
"Generation Z has risen up and wants to be heard," 19-year-old Lilia tells AFP.
The protests have been marked by significant violence and vandalism. 215 students and 715 police officers have been injured.
French demonstrators receive support from politicians
256,000 people are participating in the school protests in France on Tuesday, AFP reports. Many high schools in the capital have cancelled classes or closed completely.
Despite the protests being violent and chaotic in places, the demonstrators are receiving support from politicians. Paris’s socialist Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire supports the students' struggle in an open letter and encourages them to visit municipal community centers.
Presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, from the left-wing party LFI, is participating in the march himself.
"What you are doing is incredible. It is the most powerful youth movement we have seen in 50 years, and no one can say you are wrong, because you are right," he tells the students, according to *Le Parisien*.
"Mélenchon will be president," the demonstrators chant in response.
French police officer charged over grenade shot at 14-year-old
A French police officer is being charged after firing a tear gas grenade at close range at a 14-year-old student during last week's school protests, according to AFP.
The boy, Eden, suffered a broken jaw and lost several teeth. His parents have reported the incident. His mother says he can no longer speak and has to eat through a straw.
The officer has been suspended from duty and is in custody. He claims he fired because Eden was resisting, but prosecutors maintain it was not a case of self-defense. The offense carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The police's conduct during the protests has drawn criticism from unions, parents' organizations, and left-wing politicians.
Over 5,000 people have been arrested, 24 schools have been vandalized or set on fire, and around 180 students have been injured.
School protests in France—what is at stake
- Widespread student protests are raging in France, and a large number of the country's high schools remain closed.
- The protests are directed against issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, poor school environments, and an unfair admissions system.
- Violence and clashes with the police have resulted in at least 215 injured students, 715 injured police officers, and over 5,000 arrests, according to authorities.
- Several young people have sustained serious injuries, including a 15-year-old who lost a hand and a 16-year-old who lost an eye during the protests.
- The government and the left-wing party *La France Insoumise* have accused each other of stoking the unrest, while several left-wing politicians have openly supported the students' demands.
