French mayor caught in viral video clash says student protesters 'could be my children'
The mayor said police used disproportionate force as more than 266,000 people joined protests demanding better school funding and conditions, officials said.
- On Tuesday, Saint-Denis Mayor Bally Bagayoko intervened during a massive Paris protest, placing himself between students and riot police to ease tensions as officers deployed tear gas against the crowd.
- More than 266,000 people protested across France demanding greater investment in education, citing overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and deteriorating school buildings as core grievances.
- Demonstrations have spread rapidly since mid-September, affecting more than 1000 high schools nationwide according to the Education Ministry, while police deployed tear gas and water cannons during Tuesday's largest day of action.
- Following the clashes, Bagayoko accused police of using "totally disproportionate" force against young protesters, calling on the Interior Minister to urgently review directives before a tragedy occurs.
- Students continue organizing across France, supported by teachers and unions, as Bagayoko told demonstrators: "It is through your numbers and your determination that you will force the government to listen to you.
22 Articles
22 Articles
The mayor of a French city's support for students protesting against police repression in the country has received special attention on social media.
French mayor caught in tear gas while shielding student protesters from police
Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of the French town of Saint-Denis, was seen shielding students at a March in Paris.
Student protests in France escalated: police fired gas at the mayor of Saint-Denis, Bally Bagayoko, during a mobilization in Paris.
French city mayor protects student protesters, shouts at police. Viral video
Mayor Bally Bagayoko also accused authorities of using excessive force against teenagers. 'I have witnessed the completely disproportionate use of force against young people who simply want to be heard,' he said.
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