French student protests continue as government pledges 3,000 teachers

· Politics · France

French high school students continued nationwide protests for a tenth day, blockading schools and marching in cities over the poor state of the education system, with at least 70,000 people taking part in demonstrations on Thursday. Police fired tear gas and water cannons in Paris, and a French mayor was caught in tear gas while shielding students. The government pledged to dispatch 3,000 substitute teachers by Tuesday and promised to address students' concerns by the end of October. Teachers' unions also called for a strike. France also said it would release diesel reserves amid the unrest.

Why it matters:The protests test the French government's ability to manage social unrest and education funding amid budget pressure and political uncertainty.

Key points

  • At least 70,000 people demonstrated across France on Thursday.
  • Police used tear gas and water cannons in Paris.
  • The government pledged 3,000 substitute teachers by Tuesday.

Sources (original reporting)

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