French Student Protests Continue As Government Promises 3,000 Teachers

Student protests in France are continuing as unions demand better education funding and more teachers in schools. On Friday, student unions said they would continue their campaign despite the government’s announcement of an emergency plan to address teacher shortages.

The protests have spread to more schools and universities, including some of France’s leading institutions. Students and teachers have also called for another nationwide school strike on Tuesday.

France To Send 3,000 Teachers To Schools

The French government has announced plans to contact around 3,000 qualified teachers who have not yet started work. They could be sent to schools facing the most urgent staffing needs, particularly in low-income areas. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the plan would take effect immediately and cost several dozen million euros.

Student unions have welcomed the move as an initial result of their protests but have said they will continue their campaign. Teacher and student groups have identified staff shortages and cuts to education spending as major concerns.

During a visit to a school in the Paris region that was vandalised during the protests, Geffray said more than 100 teaching staff had been injured in the nationwide demonstrations.

Top French Universities Affected By Protests

The movement has spread to some of France’s well-known universities. Police cleared a blockade at Assas University, a leading law school in central Paris, on Friday. The Mines Paris engineering school also faced disruptions due to blockades. The Institut Catholique, a private university, shifted to remote classes because its campus was blocked.

According to France’s Interior Ministry, around 71,500 people took part in demonstrations across Paris and other areas on Thursday. While most protests were peaceful, some turned violent.

Teacher Shortages And Budget Cuts Fuel Anger

The protests have grown amid concerns about education funding and government efforts to reduce public spending. France is also facing pressure to control its public debt.

Education Ministry figures show that nearly 10% of teaching hours in state high schools are not staffed. The shortage has added to concerns about the quality of public education.

Some wealthier families are moving their children from state schools to private institutions. Education experts have warned that this trend could increase social inequality.

Student Protests Spread To Belgium

Student protests have also gained attention in Belgium, where students joined workers during a nationwide strike on Friday. The strike disrupted public transport, air travel and other services. Thousands of people marched through central Brussels. Although most of the demonstration was peaceful, clashes broke out between some protesters and police.

Police used tear gas and water cannons in some instances. Student and teacher unions in France are expected to continue their campaign, with another nationwide school strike planned for Tuesday.

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