Live: Tens of thousands expected at Paris protests as unions join students

A large contingent of tens of thousands is expected to gather in Paris on Tuesday, as French trade unions join high school students in demanding improvements to school conditions. The protests have been characterized by clashes with police, injuries, and arrests, with authorities anticipating up to 40,000 participants in the capital as the unrest expands across the nation. The France 24 liveblog provides ongoing coverage of the developing situation.

Disruption has affected 589 lyCEES and 32 universities nationwide, according to the education ministry and a student union.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s office has advocated for “peaceful” assemblies, urging a return to “a structured, legal and democratic form of opposition.”

The head of the CGT labour union, Sophie Binet, stated that its members intend to “protect high‑school students.”

Officials anticipate between 20,000 and 40,000 demonstrators in Paris.

More than 5,000 individuals have been detained since student protests began last month, 87% of whom are minors, according to the French justice ministry.

At least 589 schools across France have been disrupted, and over 215 students have sustained injuries amid protests regarding underfunding and overcrowding.

A 15‑year‑old student protesting in the northern French town of Lens suffered a serious injury after being struck by a police grenade.

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