Hundreds of arrests during school protests in France

According to the government, hundreds of people have been arrested in sometimes violent protests against the poor quality of schools in France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez spoke on BFMTV of 440 arrests. Those affected are usually accused of damaging property or attacking law enforcement officers. The Ministry of Education also reported 31 injuries among students and employees.

According to Education Minister Édouard Geffray, at least ten education workers were injured. The right to demonstrate is a fundamental freedom, but should not be used as a justification for violence, said Geffray. "Anyone who legitimizes them or calls for the extension of the blockades in this context is putting our students and public service employees at risk," he said.

Demands for better equipment in schools

According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 416 schools were affected by protests or disruptions. Blockages were reported at 45. There were attempts to block 46 others. Last week, the protests began in the greater Paris area and then spread to other parts of the country.

The students complain that schools are poorly equipped. The protests are directed against a lack of funds, too few teachers at schools and run-down buildings. The government deplored the violence of the protesters. The unions, however, warned against using the police against the legitimate protests of young people.