High school students continued protests across France on Thursday, with school blockades and demonstrations reported in several cities as the movement entered its third week.
The protests have been driven by concerns including teacher shortages, deteriorating school infrastructure, overcrowding and other problems affecting students' learning conditions. The demonstrations have also led to clashes and injuries involving students, education personnel and security forces.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
High school protests in France have entered their third week.
Students are raising concerns about teacher shortages, school infrastructure and learning conditions.
More than 6,600 people have been arrested since the protests began.
The IGPN has received 18 referrals concerning the protests.
France suspended stun-grenade use at high school demonstrations after a 15-year-old lost a hand in Lens.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised concrete government responses by the end of October.
More than 6,600 people have been arrested since the protests began, with most of those arrested being minors, according to the latest reports.
The government has also faced scrutiny over police conduct during the demonstrations. France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the police inspectorate, IGPN, had received 18 referrals related to the protests.
The authorities suspended the use of stun grenades at high school demonstrations after a 15-year-old student lost a hand during an incident involving a stun grenade in Lens. The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The protests have developed into a major national education and public-order issue, putting pressure on the French government to respond to students' concerns while addressing questions surrounding policing of the demonstrations.
Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu rejected claims that the government had ordered a police crackdown on students. He said security forces intervene when there is violence or damage, while maintaining that there had been no political instruction to repress the student movement.
Lecornu also acknowledged the concerns being raised by students and said the government would work on concrete responses. The government has committed to presenting measures, including funding and timelines, by the end of October.
