Thousands in superhero costumes join French protests against education cuts; 4.1 lakh on streets

France saw an unusual but sharply angry protest on Saturday. People across the country vented their anger over the worsening education system, staff shortages in schools, heavy inflation and the policies of the Macron government. Thousands of protesters wore costumes of well-known Marvel and DC Comics superheroes.

In central Paris, protesters came dressed as Captain America, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Superman, Deadpool and even the historical warrior Napoleon Bonaparte. They did not merely wear costumes. They struck action poses in character, climbed barricades and shouted slogans, lifting the mood of the crowd. In several places, people carrying Captain America shields were seen standing against police water cannon. Videos of them are going viral on social media.

Thousands of students and ordinary people at the protest wore masks over their faces, safety goggles over their eyes and helmets on their heads. It was not just a matter of fashion or disguise. The protesters had prepared in advance to protect themselves from police baton charges and tear gas shells. Videos on social media clearly show people sitting in a sit-in in front of police barricades with this protection.

According to official figures released by France's Interior Ministry, about 4,10,000 people took part directly in the protests across the country. The impact was greatest in the capital, Paris, where about 1,10,000 people took to the streets in a single day. The area around the historic Place de la Republique took on the look of a military camp.

Student organisations, teachers, trade unions and people from the Yellow Vest movement came together, greatly adding to the strength of the protest. The public anger is reportedly against the shortage of teachers in schools, overcrowded classrooms, higher fees in higher education and a cost of living that makes life difficult.

Besides Paris, violent clashes between police and protesters took place in several large cities such as Marseille, Bordeaux and Lyon. Police first put up barricades to hold back the crowds. When the angry crowd tried to break through, police used batons and fired tear gas. According to security officials, some rioters and radical groups infiltrated the protest and threw stones, bottles and lit firecrackers at police, setting off the violence. With the situation slipping out of control, police have so far detained about 1,000 protesters on the spot.

The protest is also echoing in politics. The hard line taken by the government of President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to bring the movement under control is facing sharp criticism. A local court foiled an attempt to ban the protests, after which the opposition has attacked the government strongly. Young people and workers are deeply angry over cuts to the education budget and the policy of privatising public services. The main demand of student organisations is that an emergency package of 10 billion euros be introduced for the education sector.

Citing the growing aggression, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez (Laurent Nuñez) has deployed more than 70,000 police and personnel across the country. Police helicopters are circling overhead to watch the crowds, while armoured vehicles and water-cannon vehicles are kept ready on the streets. Since last week's protest saw vandalism of many shops, arson and looting, police have been ordered to remain extremely alert to maintain law and order this time.

The movement is not confined to France. In European countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania, public anger over rising prices, higher energy costs and a worsening education and health system is at its peak. More than 2,700 people have so far been arrested in these protests across Europe in different countries. Young Europeans are taking to the streets because of job insecurity and the failings of the education system.

Blockades of schools and universities in France are costing thousands of students their studies. The United Nations has also expressed concern over the violent incidents in France and the use of excessive force by police. If the government does not find a way forward by talking to the protesters in the coming days, there are fears that the movement could flare up further.