In brief
In the wake of a frenzied three‑week student uprising, France has pledged 3,000 extra supply teachers to the most‑overcrowded lycées. The move, announced by Education Minister Edouard Geffray, comes after 71,000 protesters marched across the country, with tear‑gas and clashes at the Bastille. While the government offers targeted staff replacements and overtime funding, student leaders say the gesture falls short of the €10 bn they demand. The protests remain poised for another major round next Tuesday, amid rising political tensions and looming presidential elections.
France promises 3,000 extra teachers in first step to calm student protests
The French government announced it would deploy 3,000 supply teachers to the most under‑staffed lycées after a wave of violent school‑based demonstrations with tear‑gas at the Bastille and in Marseille.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the new staff would be matched with the 500 schools identified as having the biggest gaps, many in high‑immigration suburbs where classrooms are often overcrowded.
Despite the concession, students simply want a sizeable investment – a €10 bn package – and have warned that further action will continue until those funds are on the table.
Police agencies were deployed with tear‑gas when thousands gathered outside the National Assembly, while some schools were ransacked in Bordeaux and a deputy head was beaten in Marseille.
The Student Unions say the gesture is “a first but incomplete step”, and activists have already scheduled another nationwide day of protest for next Tuesday, with a “yellow‑vest” revival slated for next Saturday.
The government believes the upcoming half‑term holidays and a shift to colder, wetter weather might ease tension, but the political climate remains volatile with the presidential elections approaching in April‑May.
