School protests, blockades resume in France despite PM’s promise to act

What the report says

School protests and blockades have resumed across France as high school students continue pressing for more education funding and better school conditions, according to Al Jazeera. The unrest comes after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu asked ministers to prepare an action plan by the end of the month, but students and some supporters say they are unconvinced by the government’s response.

Reporting from Paris, Al Jazeera said university students and more trade unions have joined the demonstrations, with a major rally expected in the capital. Protesters have been blocking streets and gathering outside schools, while demands have ranged from renovated buildings to fewer classroom hours. The movement began on Sept. 21 at a high school in a deprived area of Paris and has since spread nationwide.

The article says the protests have drawn a strong police response and criticism from rights groups, who accuse authorities of using excessive force. Al Jazeera reported that injuries have been recorded among students, teachers and police officers, and that some demonstrators have suffered serious harm. The Interior Ministry said at least 6,600 arrests have been made so far, mostly of minors.

Authorities said 375 schools were fully or partially closed on Thursday, and two dozen had been burned or destroyed. The protests are adding pressure on France’s outgoing government ahead of April elections, with Lecornu urging calm while protesters insist they will continue until they see concrete action.