French student protests swell

Tens of thousands of people have rallied across France in support of protesting high school students demanding better conditions, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government amid growing opposition to its cost-cutting budget.

The interior ministry estimated that 161,500 people joined demonstrations nationwide, more than double the 71,500 recorded last Thursday. Unions put the turnout at 480,000. Most rallies were peaceful, but violence erupted at places.

During a Paris march, masked youths set cars alight, threw objects and attempted to erect barricades. Police fired tear gas in Paris and Lyon. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined a demonstration in Saint-Denis, saying "our future is being robbed".

Students have been protesting since last month over teacher shortages, dilapidated school buildings and overcrowded schedules. AFP