The French government has announced its first major concession to teenage protesters, promising to deploy 3,000 additional supply teachers in the coming days. Education Minister Edouard Geffray made the commitment during a television interview on Thursday evening, following persistent, sometimes violent demonstrations by high-school students across France. The initiative aims to address a long-standing issue regarding lost school hours caused by absent teachers and insufficient replacement staff.
According to the minister, new software will be utilised to dispatch these educators to approximately 500 secondary schools identified as having the most urgent needs. Many of these institutions are reportedly located in high-immigration city suburbs where staffing shortages are particularly acute. Additionally, the government plans to increase funding for an existing programme that compensates teachers for working overtime, while promising that student grievances will be considered during future budget discussions.
These developments follow a period of intense civil unrest, with authorities reporting that 6,877 people have been arrested since the protests began, 86% of whom are under 18 years old. On Thursday alone, approximately 71,000 protesters demonstrated nationwide, with police using tear gas to manage crowds in Paris after some individuals engaged in stone-throwing and the use of fireworks. Damage has also been reported at schools in Bordeaux and Marseille.
Despite the government's offer, student reaction remains cautious. While some moderate student groups are waiting to observe the practical implementation of these promises, radical unions have demanded further investment, with some calling for €10 billion in additional funding. Political figures remain divided, with the hard-right National Rally party criticising the concessions as a reward for violence, while opposition figures on the left have offered varying levels of support for the movement. With further demonstrations planned for next Tuesday and other protest movements potentially rising, the government is monitoring the situation closely as the upcoming national election cycle approaches.
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