France rocked by fresh student riots over education

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Tuesday demanding increased education funding, as demonstrations triggered clashes with police in several cities.

France’s Interior Ministry estimated 86,000 people demonstrated outside Paris, while 6,100 people have been detained since protests began in September, Fox News reported.

Authorities said at least 715 police officers and 215 teenagers have been injured. Police deployed tear gas as protesters lit fires in Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg.

Classes were fully or partially suspended at 891 schools on Tuesday, according to the Education Ministry.

Students have complained about deteriorating classrooms, inadequate equipment, staff shortages and long school days.

“We want more money for the national educational system so that high schools are renovated,” recent graduate Roberta said.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has asked ministers to address students’ demands, including repairs to ageing buildings and a review of school hours.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez defended police tactics, saying the response had been proportionate in “almost all cases.”