Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets across France in a wave of protests initially started by high school pupils, which has since expanded to include parents, university students, and unions. Demonstrators are demanding more resources for schools and what they describe as less police repression.
In Paris, crowds of teenagers marched from the Place de la République. Police used tear gas in Paris and Marseille, and water cannon in Rennes, though the day saw less serious trouble than in previous protests. The government reported disruption in 891 high schools on Tuesday, nearly a quarter of all institutions, with over 250,000 demonstrators participating. Students' unions, however, estimated the turnout at 450,000 and reported 1,800 high schools blockaded.
In Marseille, thousands of demonstrators moved through the city, chanting before dispersing as police advanced. Some masked protesters attempted to barricade streets with bollards and bins, leading to police deploying tear gas.
"Most of us aren't violent," said Alissa, a student in Marseille. "We're going to the streets because they've closed our schools... schools are falling apart." Her friend, Sacha, described leaking ceilings and generally poor conditions in Marseille's schools, which hinder effective learning. Both vowed to continue protesting until "good measures are taken."
Concerns have been raised about allegations of disproportionate police force, with France's IGPN police inspectorate investigating several cases. In one incident, a police officer was charged with "violence... resulting in mutilation or permanent disability" after firing a tear-gas grenade at a high school student in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône. The 14-year-old student reportedly suffered a fractured jaw and significant dental damage.
In another case near Lens, a 15-year-old's hand was torn off following the explosion of a "so-called anti-encirclement grenade." While authorities claim the student picked up the grenade, students allege it was fired directly at him. The local prefect stated the incident occurred when police were confronted by a large group of students throwing stones and fireworks.
The movement began in mid-September in Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern Paris suburb, with local anger over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and dilapidated school buildings. It has since spread nationwide and extended to some universities.
By late Tuesday, the French interior ministry reported that 6,547 individuals had been stopped or arrested by police since September 28. Tuesday's demonstrations included participants of all ages, with a couple in their 70s joining the march in Paris to support the students. The couple, former teachers themselves, stated their grandchildren were also protesting and had faced tear gas despite peaceful demonstrations.