Hundreds of Thousands Rally as French School Protests Spread Nationwide

More than 250,000 people rallied across France on Tuesday in support of high school students demanding increased staffing, improved buildings and more education funding, according to government figures. The Interior Ministry estimated turnout at 266,000, including 56,000 in Paris, as parents, teachers, university students and unions joined demonstrations that began in the Paris region in mid-September.

Police used tear gas in Paris and Marseille and water cannon in Rennes, while clashes were also reported in Lyon and Strasbourg. The Paris march was largely peaceful, although small groups confronted riot police and damaged three storefronts. Nearly 500 people were detained Tuesday, and authorities have reported more than 6,000 arrests, mostly of minors, since the unrest began.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu told lawmakers that at least 215 teenagers and 85 school employees had been injured during the protests, while his office said more than 700 police officers were hurt. Students and rights groups have accused police of disproportionate force; Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said officers acted proportionately in “almost all cases.”

A 15-year-old boy lost a hand during a confrontation near a school in Lens on Monday. Accounts differ over whether he picked up a police grenade, and the police watchdog is investigating. Separately, a police officer was charged Tuesday with violence after allegedly firing a tear-gas grenade at close range at a 14-year-old student.

The government has acknowledged students’ concerns while condemning arson, vandalism and attacks on schools and police. Some student groups called for further protests on Thursday.