The Eiffel Tower was closed due to demonstrations and nationwide strikes organized in France against the rise in the cost of living and the poor quality of public services and education. France 24 reports this.
Students have blockaded dozens of secondary schools and universities in France in order to put pressure on the government over education reforms. Protests by secondary school pupils have launched a wider movement in the country.
Before the start of the protests, rubbish bins were set on fire in some places.
France’s Ministry of Education has announced that on November 5, 17.5% of state pre-school teachers will go on strike.
“We are trying to involve as many people as possible in the struggle. Some do not join because they are afraid. Many fear police violence,” a 19-year-old female student studying in Paris said.
The French government has defended the police’s methods, while noting that any abuse will be investigated.
According to the Associated Press, French unions are joining forces for nationwide strikes and demonstrations aimed at raising wages and supporting the protest movement of secondary school pupils. The unions have announced that about 260 rallies will take place across the country.
They have warned the government of French President Emmanuel Macron and employers: “The anger is enormous. The situation in the country is fragile. Urgent social and environmental challenges must be resolved without delay.”
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has announced that 70,000 police officers have been deployed, with the support of armoured vehicles, drones and helicopters.
It is expected that 500,000-700,000 people outside Paris, and 40,000-80,000 people in the capital, will join the strikes.
