Protests have resumed at schools across France as high school students press on with demands for more education funding and better conditions. The protests came a day after the prime minister ordered ministers to produce an action plan.
Al Jazeera’s Natacha Butler, reporting from Paris, said university students and more trade unions have joined the nationwide demonstrations. A large rally is expected in the capital on Thursday.
“They are moving around, trying to block off the streets,” Butler said from outside one school, where university students were barricading a large area. She said they were out in solidarity with high schoolers and believe it is important for as many young people as possible to take part.
The protests began on September 21 at a high school in a deprived area of Paris. Tens of thousands of students nationwide have since marched, with demands ranging from renovated school buildings to fewer classroom hours.
Police response under scrutiny
Rights groups have accused security officials of using disproportionate force. Several demonstrators have been injured, including a teenager who lost a hand and another whose jaw was shattered by an exploding stun grenade. Such grenades have since been banned at marches.
Authorities say police officers and teachers have also been hurt, and accuse students of violent acts. The Interior Ministry says at least 6,600 people, mostly minors, have been arrested so far.
