France is bracing for a nationwide day of action on Tuesday as pupil protests over school conditions and learning environments enter their second week.
‎Student representatives have called for rallies across the country.
‎In Paris, a demonstration is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) at the Place de la République. Protests are also planned in major cities including Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Rennes and Strasbourg.
‎‎Several major education unions have backed the protests, with some also calling for a strike, potentially broadening the movement beyond pupils.
‎‎The ‌protests have at times turned violent, with videos showing young people pushing, kicking and beating police officers.
‎‎On Monday, the case of a 15-year-old pupil who lost a hand after reportedly picking up a projectile that then exploded in Lens, northern France, caused widespread shock.
‎‎Police are said to have thrown the projectile into a group of protesting pupils. The police inspectorate general is investigating the riot police unit involved. According to a French broadcaster, the device was a non-lethal stun grenade.
‎‎The incident could further fuel protests already marked by serious violence.
‎‎Previous allegations of police brutality have also led to growing criticism of the use of police against young demonstrators.
‎‎On Sunday evening, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called on ministries to introduce concrete improvements at schools across the country and to listen to pupils’ legitimate concerns.
‎Despite this, fresh protests took place on Monday at 589 schools.
‎‎(dpa/NAN)
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