France promises 3,000 substitute teachers as students pack Bastille square
France's education minister promised Thursday night to send 3,000 substitute teachers to the hardest-hit high schools, after about 71,500 people joined student protests nationwide. In Paris, police used tear gas to clear thousands from the Place de la Bastille. Student and union groups say the offer falls short and have called another day of action for Tuesday.
France's government has made its first concrete offer to the high school students who have blocked schools and marched for more than a week. Education Minister Édouard Geffray told TF1 television on Thursday night that 3,000 substitute teachers would be sent to the most troubled high schools between Friday and Tuesday.
Geffray said he would also let regional education chiefs hire "a few hundred" more teachers. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government would change the 2027 budget to turn some of the students' demands into concrete steps, especially on replacing absent teachers.
The offer came after another big day of protest. About 71,500 people marched across France on Thursday, including 24,500 in Paris, the Interior Ministry said. Police made 504 arrests, and 48 officers were injured, according to France 24.
In Paris, a huge crowd filled the Place de la Bastille, where students climbed the monument at its center, waved the French flag and sang the national anthem. As evening fell, riot police used tear gas, and some protesters threw paving stones and bottles, The Guardian reported.
The students complain of missing teachers, long school days, crowded classes and run-down buildings that get too hot. Many are also angry about police tactics. The government suspended the use of stun grenades this week after a 15-year-old lost a hand. Lecornu said 215 students, 89 school staff and 761 police officers have been hurt since late September, Al Jazeera reported.
The movement is not ready to stop. A student union leader told The Guardian the protests would continue "for as long as 10 billion euros hasn't been put on the table." Unions and student groups have called a new national day of action for Tuesday, October 13.
School closures did ease on Thursday, with about 95% of high schools at least partly open, the education ministry said. A poll for BFM TV found that 72% of French people think the students' demands are fair, but 55% think the protests should stop.
The unrest comes months before the 2027 presidential election to replace Emmanuel Macron.
What we know: The government has promised 3,000 substitute teachers, and protests are set to continue Tuesday.
What we don't: Whether the offer will calm the protests.
Where outlets agree France 24 and Al Jazeera both report that 71,500 people protested across France on Thursday, including 24,500 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry.
Where they differ The Guardian says the 3,000 substitute teachers will go to about 100 high schools, while France 24 says they will be sent to more than 500 high schools.