Hundreds of thousands rally across France in support of students

Hundreds of thousands of people joined demonstrations across France on Tuesday in support of high school students who have been blocking schools since mid-September to demand more education funding.

France's Interior Ministry estimated turnout at around 256,000 nationwide, including 56,000 in Paris. Organizers put the figure at up to 450,000, with around 100,000 taking part in the capital.

Students are protesting against deteriorating school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and inequalities between schools. Demonstrations in Paris began peacefully but later saw clashes with police, who used tear gas and water cannons.

The Interior Ministry said close to 500 people were arrested nationwide during unrest surrounding the protests, bringing the total number of arrests since the movement began to more than 6,500.

Nearly 900 high schools, around one quarter of the country's total, were disrupted. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that classes would be suspended from Wednesday to Friday to allow for a structured period of dialogue with students.

According to CCTV+, French authorities say the pause is intended to create space for discussion while also preventing further escalation of violence.