French Education Unions Call Thursday Protests as 528 Schools Shut Amid Unrest
Updated
Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Oct 7
French Education Unions Call Thursday Protests as 528 Schools Shut Amid Unrest
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Oct 7
Summary
French education unions called for new nationwide demonstrations on Thursday after joining Tuesday’s protest, while 528 schools stayed fully or partly closed as students kept blockading campuses.
More than a week of unrest has been driven by teacher shortages, overcrowded classes, crumbling buildings and broader claims of underfunding, especially in poorer neighborhoods.
Police again used tear gas in Marseille and Paris to clear blockades even after Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said stun grenades would be suspended and Macron urged restraint.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was due to address the crisis Wednesday as the government tries to stop school protests from merging with anger over fuel prices, the farm crisis and living costs.
Seven months before the presidential election, rivals are backing protesters’ demands or accusing opponents of exploiting the unrest, raising fears of a broader movement akin to the Yellow Vests.
With thousands arrested and schools barricaded, will France's escalating student protests ignite a massive nationwide crisis ahead of the presidential election?
How will the French government fund desperately needed school repairs without triggering further unrest over the already soaring cost of living?