France Sees Protests for School Students

On Tuesday, people across France marched to support protesting high school students. France's Interior Ministry said about 161,500 people joined. That was more than twice the number at earlier national marches on Thursday.

In Paris, about 41,500 people marched, according to the ministry.

School Demands and Results

The school protests began in Paris and spread to other regions. School blockades and marches lasted for more than three weeks.

Students first asked for school building repairs and more teachers. They also asked for shorter school days. Reports also named too few teachers, crowded classes, and old buildings.

Students and staff at Paul Éluard school in Saint-Denis reported worn rooms and rats. Students showed reporters broken chairs and desks, holes in walls, and leaking ceilings.

They also showed mold and broken sound and video equipment.

The Education Ministry said 214 schools closed on Tuesday, mostly high schools. Some French high schools were still closed on Wednesday.

The BBC reported that dozens of schools were set on fire. Hundreds of schools closed, and some stayed closed without an end date because of serious building damage.

The student union L'Union Étudiante said 90% of universities across France closed in support of protesters.

Unrest and Government Response

Two separate marches took place in Paris. One turned into disorder. Masked protesters set cars on fire, tried to build barriers, and threw objects at police.

Reports also told of disorder in Lyon.

The Education Ministry said 147 school staff members had been hurt since protests began. The Guardian reported more than 250 hurt students, about 100 school staff, and 750 police officers.

Reports said one teenager lost a hand because of a stun grenade. Another teenager lost an eye. The Guardian said a third teenager lost teeth.

The Guardian reported that more than 6,000 people were arrested during protests. Almost all of them were under 18.

French police began internal investigations into 34 complaints of violence against demonstrators. The Interior Ministry said police acted in self-defense in many cases.

After a 15-year-old lost a hand, the interior minister stopped police from using one type of stun grenade against young protesters.

On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron urged protesters to stay calm. He said their issues needed time, meetings, discussion, and respect.

Protesters and Political Issues

Teachers' unions, other worker unions, parents, and university students marched with school students. A poll this week found 57% supported the protests, while 33% opposed them.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined a march near Paul Éluard school in Saint-Denis. She said French students were fighting for their future and inspiring young people in other countries.

In Paris, people saw Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, among the protesters. His party supported them.

The protests came during a political deadlock. The government had no majority in parliament, and France's presidential election was due in April 2027.

The government was also trying to pass a budget with lower spending. Growing public debt caused concern in the bond market.

Actions Outside France

Some schools in Liege, Belgium, closed as people responded to French students' demands. Student protests also took place in several Italian cities.

In Germany, high school students called for an international youth strike on 20 November. They wanted to show support for the French protests.

Demonstrations against the fast rise in living costs were planned across France for Saturday. Unions and student groups hoped these marches would join the school protests.