Students in France clashed with police and blocked secondary schools on Tuesday as protests over timetables, class sizes and teacher shortages spread across the country.
The demonstrations began last week in the Île-de-France region around Paris and have since expanded to other cities, while trade unions are preparing separate nationwide protests over the government’s budget.
School blockades spread
Education authorities said around 10 schools were blockaded on Tuesday.
Some students blocked entrances using rubbish bins and set them on fire.
In Lille, masked students gathered outside a secondary school, where police used tear gas after clashes broke out, according to an AFP photographer. Students also set bins alight.
Clashes were also reported in Nantes, Marseille and Lyon.
Nationwide protests planned
Trade unions are preparing a day of nationwide demonstrations and strikes focused on the budget of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron.
Tens of thousands of people were expected to demonstrate in Paris and other cities.
Teachers and fire services were also expected to strike nationally, although public transport was not seriously affected.
Government warns against escalation
Lecornu said on Monday that any escalation of the school protests would be “irresponsible”.
He also accused the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party of encouraging the demonstrations.
The Interior Minister said 164 arrests had been made and 180 schools had been affected.
Source: CNA
