French police clash with demonstrators as education protests spread

French police have used tear gas and a water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris as nationwide student demonstrations over under-resourced schools continue to grow. Riot police charged a group of young protesters at the end of a march and arrested several people as officers moved to clear a square. Many of those taking part were teenagers, with protesters holding signs criticising President Emmanuel Macron and his government. The protests began over concerns including teacher shortages, poor school conditions and inadequate resources, but have escalated into clashes in several cities. Parents and teachers have joined some demonstrations, with many expressing concern about the police response and trying to protect young protesters. French authorities have defended the police response, while thousands of people have been arrested since the protests began. The unrest is putting further pressure on Macron's government as it faces wider political and economic challenges. Al Jazeera's Natacha Butler reports from Paris. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #France #Paris #FranceStudentProtests #FranceSchoolProtests #FranceEducationProtests #StudentProtests #FrenchPolice #FrenchSchoolCrisis #StudentUnions #FranceYouthProtests #FrenchPolice