French students have taken to the streets across the country for over a week, with more than 71,500 participants in protests demanding better education and less police brutality. The government has pledged 3,000 substitute teachers for the worst-affected high schools, but critics say the response is insufficient.
Protests have intensified with students blocking school entrances and marching through cities, with clashes between protesters and police leading to injuries and arrests. Students have highlighted issues such as teacher shortages, overloaded timetables, and dilapidated classrooms. The government has deployed riot police and used tear gas to disperse crowds.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray has promised to address teacher shortages and improve conditions in high schools, but critics argue that the government's response is not enough. The protests have gained support from teachers, parents, and unions, and are expected to continue until concrete measures are implemented.
The government faces pressure to address the crisis, with concerns over public debt and the need for investment in education. Critics argue that the current budget constraints make it difficult to meet the demands of the protesters, while the government insists that it is committed to finding solutions.