Protests disrupt 1,800 high schools across France, student union says

 Around 1,800 high schools across France were blockaded, affected by demonstrations or closed by education authorities on Tuesday, according to a student union, as protests over learning conditions entered a new nationwide day of mobilization.

The Union Syndicale Lyceenne (USL) said participation had reached a record level, French daily Le Parisien reported.

Students are demanding more staff and resources for public education, citing overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and deteriorating school buildings.

Demonstrations began in cities including Nantes, Marseille and Lyon, while student organizations planned a major rally at Paris’ Place de la Republique at 2 pm local time (1200GMT).

Education unions backed the mobilization, calling on their members to join demonstrations in Paris and around 30 other cities.