Students, teachers and parents marched across France on Tuesday as protests over poor school conditions reached their biggest day of action.
According to reports, demonstrators also blockaded hundreds of schools, demanding more teachers, better facilities and improved learning conditions.
Protests began peacefully in Marseille, Nantes and Lyon, with the largest demonstration expected in Paris later in the day.
The nationwide action followed two weeks of demonstrations that started in Paris suburbs before spreading to other parts of France.
Protesters held smoke flares and placards with messages including “Under our school books, anger” as they expressed frustration over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and ageing school buildings.
The government has deployed riot police, saying the protests have increasingly turned into urban violence.
DDM reports that on Monday, a 15-year-old protester in northern France lost his hand and part of his lower arm after reportedly picking up a police dispersal grenade during clashes with officers.
The High School Students Union said about 1,800 schools were either blockaded or expected to close on Tuesday, although the Education Ministry had not immediately confirmed the figure.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has ordered ministers to address some of the protesters’ demands, including replacing absent teachers and reviewing the length of the school day and lunch breaks.
The government also plans to assess repairs needed in ageing school buildings, with ministers expected to submit their initial proposals by the end of October.
However, the government faces financial pressure as France struggles with a growing budget deficit, rising borrowing costs and concerns over its debt.
The Interior Ministry said 6,100 people had been arrested since the protests began, with most of them minors.
The Justice Ministry said more than 1,800 people were being prosecuted, including 1,483 minors.
At least 715 police officers and 215 teenagers have also been injured in clashes, according to Lecornu’s office.
