The unrest spread to every region of France and the Paris Police Chief, Patrice Faure, called the nationwide protest movement “out of control,” seeking from its supporters “to adopt pacific means of protestation.”
The protests started about issues such as conditions in classes, lack of teachers, and overcrowding and funding for education and have spread from the Paris region to schools nationwide. Friday became a violent day as high school students clashed with the demonstrations at a number of locations, including demonstrations by riot police.
Police statistics released by Reuters estimate about 5,000 people, mainly teenagers, were arrested since Monday across the country. Over 600 police officers also had been injured, said National Police Spokeswoman Agathe Foucault. It is not only teachers and the public who have reportedly been attacked, but property damage allegedly has estimated a value of tens of millions of euros.
Faure urged in an open letter on Monday ahead of “school blockades” to be held on Tuesday that students not perpetuate violence and vandalism, but also break their boycott of school to attend classes. He also advised parents to try and dissuade their children from taking to violence.
Students’ unions have announced a national day of demonstrations for Tuesday, sparking fears of more fighting, including in the centre of Paris.
The wave started when the students staged a protest over their conditions in the French schools such as overcrowding in classes, teachers vacancies and improperly maintained buildings. The riots have reportedly impacted hundreds of school and college buildings nationwide.
To check incidents of violence and property damage while addressing the education-related grievances, the French government has come under increasing pressure. Authorities have stated that if it is a peaceful protest, that’s fine, but if there’s violence, it will be handled with severity.
Authorities are getting ready for future potential disturbances, as the student protest continues to gain momentum across the country with another nationwide demonstration scheduled for Tuesday.