French police fired tear gas Friday to disperse student protesters at Place de la Nation in Paris, as school and university blockades across the country entered a fifth day, with protests spreading across the country.
The protests started in high schools in the Paris region and have expanded over demands for better school resources, smaller classes, more teachers and better learning conditions. University students have joined the movement this week, with some 30 campuses blocked Thursday, according to the Union Étudiante.
Authorities say hundreds of schools have been affected by the unrest and hundreds of arrests have been made. Some protests have turned violent with protesters setting fire to trash bins, throwing projectiles and damaging property. Police deployed tear gas in some cities.
The French government has taken steps to contain the unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu cancelled a planned ministerial trip Thursday and held a crisis meeting as protests intensified.
The Education Ministry said it was creating a consultation platform for high school students to voice their concerns and schools affected by blockades or damage have been asked to provide remote lessons where needed.
