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France braces for national day of student protests following injuries and mass arrests
Overview
France is preparing for major nationwide protests on Tuesday following weeks of student demonstrations over education funding, overcrowded classrooms, and school conditions. The movement has seen hundreds of schools blockaded, over 5,000 arrests, and multiple injuries, including a student whose hand was blown off and another struck by a tear gas grenade. While the government has announced measures to address student demands, organisers claim the response is inadequate and accuse authorities of excessive force.
Key points
- France is braced for a national day of action on Tuesday called by student organisers demanding increased investment in education.
- Weeks of demonstrations have led to more than 5,000 arrests, with 87% of those arrested being minors.
- At least 190 students have been injured during the protests, including a 15-year-old boy who lost his hand and a 14-year-old who suffered facial fractures from a tear gas grenade.
- The Union Syndicale Lycéenne (USL) accused the government of offering nothing concrete and criticised authorities for unprecedented repression.
- The French government announced measures to address student difficulties, but stated it would make no concessions to violence.
- The protests have become heavily politicised, with hard-right politicians blaming the radical-left LFI party for fuelling riots, while left-wing figures accuse police of excessive force.