French students block school entrances to protest against education reform

Students in France on Monday blocked the entrances of over 100 schools across the nation to protest against education reform.

Students showed their support for the 'yellow vest' protests which have brought the country to a standstill, with the President Emmanuel Macron-led government mulling the imposition of an emergency.

Quoting local media, Sputnik reported that the student protests turned violent in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, leading to the students throwing objects at law enforcement officials. The police responded by using tear gas against the protestors to contain the situation.

Student protests have also erupted in regions like Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, Centre-Val de Loire and Corsica, and Paris, amongst others.

A reform in the French education system took place in March this year, which changed the rules under which students are accepted into colleges.

The new reform came into effect in September amidst growing criticism against it, with trade unions claiming that it is in direct contradiction with the right and equality in access to higher education in the nation.

Hundreds of protesters have been detained across France due to the 'yellow vest' protests against the hike in fuel prices until now. Since January 2018, diesel prices have increased by around 23 per cent, while petrol is retailed at 15 per cent higher costs. The prices are expected to rise further next month.

Macron had earlier ordered French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe to hold talks with political leaders and demonstrators to end the nationwide protests.