France has announced plans to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers to struggling high schools as nationwide student protests continue.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the additional teachers will be sent to 114 of the country’s worst-affected high schools. France has around 3,700 high schools in total.
Students have blocked entrances to hundreds of schools for more than a week. They are demanding better education, improved school facilities and an end to excessive police force.
Many students have complained about absent teachers, overloaded schedules and deteriorating classrooms. They have also raised concerns about school buildings struggling during increasingly hot weather.
The Interior Ministry said around 71,500 people joined protests across France. More than 500 people were detained.
Paris saw around 24,500 demonstrators take to the streets. Students gathered at Bastille Square, waving French flags and calling for stronger government action.
Tensions have also increased over police tactics.
Rights groups and students have criticised the use of tear gas, batons and blast devices during demonstrations. A 15-year-old student lost a hand after police fired a stun grenade earlier this week.
The government later suspended use of the weapon during school protests. Police have also opened 18 internal investigations into allegations of misconduct.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has promised a wider plan to address the crisis by the end of October.
However, many students remain unconvinced.
Protesters say they want concrete changes rather than promises. They are demanding more teachers, improved school resources and stronger protections for students.
The unrest comes as France prepares its 2027 budget, which currently includes a 1.4 percent increase in education spending to 90.9 billion euros.
