United News of Bangladesh

Students blockaded high schools across France on Tuesday as planned demonstrations tested the strength of a weeks-long nationwide movement demanding more resources for the country's education system. At Hélène Boucher High School in Paris' 20th district, protesters placed rubbish bins and bicycles on their sides to build a makeshift barricade at the entrance. The school was among hundreds closed across the country. Authorities began shutting schools last week in an effort to curb the demonstrations following widespread property damage and increasing injuries among school staff, students and police. French media reported protests in several other cities and towns on Tuesday morning. Labour unions also called on workers to demonstrate later in the day in support of the student movement, which has put pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government. The government's response has been forceful. Police arrested more than 5,000 people last week, around 85% of them minors. However, the widespread use of arrests, tear gas and riot-control weapons against teenage protesters has fuelled anger and defiance, including among some parents and teachers. At Hélène Boucher High School, parents and other adults positioned themselves between the demonstrators and police officers monitoring the protest. The school blockades began in the Paris region in mid-September before spreading to other cities and towns. Students have raised a range of grievances, particularly the shortage of resources and opportunities for advancement in disadvantaged schools. Protesters say these conditions fall short of the promise embodied in France's national motto, “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.” Students have highlighted deteriorating classroom conditions, including shortages of basic furniture such as desks and chairs, inadequate cooling during summer heat and rat infestations. They have also complained about staff shortages and exhausting academic workloads. French high school students are required to spend among the highest numbers of compulsory school hours in Europe. The demonstrations and planned labour union action on Tuesday are expected to test the movement's ability to maintain momentum as pressure mounts on the government to address students' concerns.