Police used water cannons on the actions of schoolchildren and students in Paris

Clashes between protesters and police occurred during a rally of schoolchildren, students and unions in the Bastille Square in Paris. After some of the participants began throwing stones and other objects at the security forces, law enforcement officers used water cannon and tear gas. This is reported by TASS.

Clashes occurred in Bastille Square

Several thousand students and students gathered at Bastille Square to join a nationwide movement to improve learning conditions. At the beginning, the rally was mostly calm, but by the evening the situation escalated.

According to French media, some participants in masks and dark clothing began throwing stones and other objects at police. In response, law enforcement used a water cannon, and then began to push the protesters from the central part of the square.

The released footage shows some demonstrators trying to hide from the water jet behind wooden shields. A few people were pushed down by strong pressure.

At the same time, another part of the protesters, marching with trade union flags, left the square along Lyon Street without serious incidents.

Actions are taking place across France

Protests by schoolchildren began in late September in the Ile-de-France region, after which they spread to other cities in the country. Students oppose overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, overburdened schedules and problems with the condition of school buildings.

Students, teachers and trade union organizations joined the movement. Lockdowns on individual schools and universities continued on Thursday, although most schools had already resumed normal operations.

According to the French Interior Ministry, more than 6,600 arrests have been made since the protests began. Most of the detainees are minors.

Unions are preparing a new strike

The demonstrators said they plan to continue protest activity. Teachers and student associations announced the preparation of an inter-union strike, which should take place on October 13.

The appeal applies to schools, colleges, lyceums and higher educational institutions. The organizers expect to attract not only students, but also teachers, employees of educational institutions and parents to the action.

Authorities promise to take action

Amid the protests, the French authorities began talks with representatives of school and student organizations. Education Minister Edouard Geffrey said the government intends to present the first concrete measures to address the problems pointed out by students.

At the same time, the police continue to maintain order in the areas of mass protests. French media noted that during the protests, law enforcement officers used water cannons, tear gas and other means of dispersal after attacks on employees and attempts to block the streets.

Photo: Screenshot of TASS video