Public service employees and students across France launched widespread protests and strikes on Tuesday, with approximately 206,000 people participating, including 30,000 in Paris. Teachers and fire services joined the nationwide action, although public transport was not badly affected.
The demonstrations began in the region around Paris, where education authorities reported blockades at ten schools on Tuesday, before spreading to other cities. These protests have escalated into clashes with police, resulting in the arrest of 440 students. Authorities had previously reported 164 arrests on Monday.
The unrest is driven by discontent over planned budget cuts ahead of next year's presidential election. Protesters are citing specific grievances including exhausting timetables, large class sizes, and a shortage of teachers.