Massive protests erupted across France as hundreds of thousands took to the streets in support of schoolchildren’s calls for more teachers and better-maintained facilities, with organizers and unions reporting turnout far exceeding official estimates. Demonstrators in Paris and other cities also voiced frustration over rising living costs and criticized the government’s use of heavy policing against student-led actions, arguing political solutions were being sidelined. The unrest comes as the president faces mounting pressure amid a deepening social and political crisis in his final months in office.
Government estimates at least 400,000 people took part, but trade unions say the number is double thatHundreds of thousands marched in cities across France on Saturday in largely peaceful protests to support schoolchildren’s demands for more teachers and repairs to dilapidated buildings, as Emmanuel Macron faces a social and political crisis in his final months as president.In Paris, at least 110,000 people marched along the eastern edge of the city, according to government estimates. They supported high schoolers but also complained of the high cost of living and the government’s heavy policing, saying riot police had been sent to target school protesters over the past month, instead of the government offering political solutions. Continue reading...
