France promises 3,000 extra teachers in first step to calm student protests

The French government has made its first concession to three weeks of ongoing student protests by promising 3,000 extra supply teachers. Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced the measure on Thursday evening as demonstrations continue over inadequate resources in secondary education, with nearly 71,000 people protesting that day and 24,000 gathering at the Bastille in Paris.

The commitment addresses long-standing complaints about lost school hours due to teacher absences and lack of replacement staff, particularly in schools in high-immigration suburbs. However, student leaders remain sceptical, with some demanding a €10bn investment package before they will consider ending their action. Since protests began, 6,877 people have been arrested, 86% of them under 18, and incidents have included ransacked buildings and attacks on staff.