French police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters in central Paris as demonstrations over the country’s education system enter their third week. High school students, university students and teachers’ unions are demanding more teachers, better school buildings and improved facilities, with the movement spreading from disadvantaged schools in the Paris suburbs to cities and towns across France. The government has acknowledged the concerns and promised to address teacher shortages and other problems, but faces growing pressure as the protests expand. The demonstrations are also unfolding against the backdrop of France’s long-running budget deficit and rising debt, raising questions over how the government can increase education spending while trying to contain public finances. The protests come six months before France’s presidential election, with the far-right National Rally and the far-left also seeking to capitalise on widespread discontent, while President Emmanuel Macron has largely stayed out of the debate. Recent opinion polling suggests broad public support for the students’ demands, although there has been growing criticism of the heavy-handed police response, particularly given the young age of many demonstrators. Further student and trade union demonstrations are planned in the coming days, raising concerns for the government that the unrest could become more widespread.
Al Jazeera’s Natacha Butler reports from Paris.
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