France braces for national day of student protests after injuries and mass arrests
France is experiencing widespread student protests against school funding policies, resulting in mass arrests and injuries on both sides. Tensions have escalated following violent confrontations between police and demonstrators, prompting calls for dialogue from government officials and union leaders.
Why it matters
The protests highlight growing civil unrest in France and the challenges of managing student-led movements in a polarized political climate.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Tinshui Yeung Reuters School students have begun blocking schools as a nationwide day of protest gets under way Mass protests by high school and university students demanding greater investment in French schools are under way, with a coalition of some of the largest unions joining them.
Adults, including parents and union activists, are gathered wearing white armbands to support the teenagers with the "aim of creating a buffer zone", local media reports.
Students have been blockading hundreds of schools with 215 young people and 715 police officer hurt over the last week and more than 6,000 people arrested.
Outrage escalated after a student had his hand blown off during a confrontation on Monday. Earlier on during the wave of protest another student was struck in the head by a tear gas canister.
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