Hundreds of thousands march across France in protests over schools and policing

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At least 400,000 people marched across France in protests focused on school staffing and building repairs, with unions estimating participation at twice the government figure. Demonstrators also raised the cost of living and policing, amid a social and political crisis during Emmanuel Macron’s final months as president.

Government estimates at least 400,000 people took part, but trade unions say the number is double that Hundreds of thousands marched in cities across France on Saturday in largely peaceful protests to support schoolchildren’s demands for more teachers and repairs to dilapidated buildings, as Emmanuel Macron faces a social and political crisis in his final months as president. In Paris, at least 110,000 people marched along the eastern edge of the city, according to government estimates. They supported high schoolers but also complained of the high cost of living and the government’s heavy policing, saying riot police had been sent to target school protesters over the past month, instead of the government offering political solutions. Continue reading...