France braces for nationwide student protests

Student protests over staffing shortages, crowded classrooms and poor school conditions have spread across France, with nationwide demonstrations expected Tuesday to test the movement’s reach. Organisers have drawn support from trade unions and parent groups, while authorities have reported school closures, arrests and injuries during weeks of unrest. The demonstrations began in the Paris region in September and expanded to schools across the country. Students have called for more teachers and other staff, better-maintained buildings, smaller classes and additional resources. Reports on Monday put the number of disrupted schools at nearly 590, though estimates vary according to the reporting time and whether partial suspensions are included. Tens of thousands of people were expected to join Tuesday’s actions nationally. Authorities forecast up to 40,000 protesters in Paris; that figure applies to the capital, not the nationwide turnout. The demonstrations were also expected to involve unions, university groups and other supporters. No final attendance figures were available in the reports published ahead of the protests.