French citizens took to the streets on 6/10, answering a call for a "black Tuesday" organized by student and teacher unions. They expressed grievances over deteriorating facilities and teacher shortages in the nation's high schools.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that approximately 250,000 people participated in the demonstrations across Paris and other cities nationwide. While students continued to blockade schools, crowds of protesters carrying flags and banners gathered in various areas to show their support.

Protesters march in Bordeaux, France on 6/10. Photo: AP

"We need to listen to students. They are 17 years old and knowledgeable enough to understand the issues they are discussing. It is important to show that there are adults who support them," said Lea Monimart, a protester in Lille, northern France.

Many protesters voiced concerns about their future, social inequality, and a feeling of being ignored by politicians who benefited from the post-World War II economic boom.

Riot police prepare to spray tear gas during clashes with protesters in Lyon, France, on 6/10. Photo: AFP

"We are overlooked, neglected," 18-year-old student Elisha told The National during a protest in Paris. "We are the generation facing war, conflict, and uncertainty, with no safety net to rely on."

French authorities deployed thousands of riot police equipped with batons and shields, prepared to confront unruly protesters.

The protests were largely peaceful in Paris, Marseille, Nantes, and Toulouse. However, situations in Strasbourg, Lyon, and Rennes became significantly more violent, with protesters setting fires in the streets and throwing bricks and stones at officers.

French police quell protesters. Video: Reuters

This forced police to use tear gas, riot control weapons, and make arrests of unruly individuals. Interior Minister Nunez stated that the police response was proportionate in "most cases" and that protests sometimes escalated into riots, requiring intervention from authorities.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu declared that the government and school administrations must listen to students' concerns and find solutions.

When questioned in parliament on 6/10 about the protests, Lecornu condemned the "extreme violence" threatening schools. Addressing criticism of police tactics, he pledged to investigate all "incidents" and dismissed accusations of police racism, calling the information "falsehoods."

The French high school student protest movement has lasted for over two weeks, spreading nationwide with many violent clashes, leading to over 6,100 arrests, mostly involving young people.

Protesters wearing protective masks flee tear gas in Strasbourg, France, on 6/10. Photo: AFP

Felix Barney, a university student, described the police response as excessive, asserting that "beating minors" was completely absurd.

French authorities began closing schools last week to de-escalate the protests. According to the French Ministry of Education, teaching activities were fully or partially suspended on 6/10 at 891 schools.

In response to accusations of ignoring protesters' concerns, the French Ministry of Education launched an online portal, inviting high school students to anonymously share the difficulties they face at school and the changes they desire.

Ngoc Anh (According to AP, AFP)