MACRON CALLS FOR RESTRAINT DURING DEMONSTRATIONS

PARIS, OCTOBER 7 /SRNA/ - French President Emmanuel Macron called for restraint during mass demonstrations at high schools and universities, during which there was violence, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.

Following a crisis meeting, he said that Macron called on people to "show empathy" and explain that police intervene in cases of serious violence, DPA reported.

Additional blockades were reported at French high schools and universities this morning, including the elite Paris institution Sciences Po, following major rallies yesterday.

As a precaution, 528 schools remained fully or partially closed. Education unions called for the demonstrations to continue tomorrow as well.

Young people are demanding better school facilities, more teachers and improved learning conditions.

The Interior Ministry said that 266,000 people took part in protest marches in Paris and other major cities on Tuesday, while education unions estimated that 450,000 people participated.