Student protests demanding improvements to educational conditions have spread across France and into neighboring Belgium, with demonstrations, school blockades, vandalism and clashes reported in several cities.
On Tuesday, around 200,000 people marched through more than 30 cities and towns across France. The protests began in late September and have included blockades, property damage and violent incidents. Nearly 1,000 people were detained on Monday during a particularly tense day of demonstrations.
In Belgium, protests have been reported since Friday, mainly in Arlon and Liège. Demonstrations that initially remained peaceful later escalated, with students blocking school entrances, throwing objects, overturning public benches and damaging some businesses. More than 30 people were detained, while police and firefighters intervened in several incidents.
The protests are linked to opposition to education reforms and budget cuts introduced by the Government of the French Community amid funding shortages. Students are demanding improvements to school facilities, changes to class schedules and greater access to higher education.
In France, authorities reported that 215 students, 85 education workers and 715 police officers and gendarmes were injured. In Lens, a 15-year-old student lost a hand during the protests. Demonstrations have also led to clashes between protesters and police in cities including Strasbourg and Rennes.
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The Union Syndicale Lycéenne has launched a petition with 10 urgent measures, including renovating schools, reviewing school and university schedules, guaranteeing a 90-minute lunch break and creating 150,000 additional higher-education places. The petition has collected more than 30,000 signatures.
