France: Concern about escalation in student protests against grievances

Nationwide student protest: Students across France are taking to the streets on Tuesday. It is the culmination of a wave of protests that has been going on for days. Overcrowded classes, dilapidated schools, a lack of teachers and a non-transparent allocation of study places - these are their pain points.

Roberta, student:

“There are rats in some public high schools, water drips in when it rains, and the ceiling falls down on students during class. And these conditions are simply unacceptable if we want to learn under good conditions.

Elliott, student:

»I think tensions will increase, we will by no means stop here. Because today a lot of people are really mobilized, even people who are not normally particularly political. That's why I believe tensions will increase and at some point there will be an explosion. That’s exactly what we need.”

There have been some violent riots in the past few days. Human rights groups accuse the police of using disproportionate force in their actions against minors. A 15-year-old student lost a hand to a police grenade. Another suffered serious facial injuries after a police officer fired a tear gas grenade at him from close range.