Paris police chief Patrice Faure is urging students in France to return to peaceful protests as demonstrations over education conditions grow increasingly violent.
Police clashed with high school students across the country on Friday, while unions called for teachers to strike. About 5,000 people, mostly teenagers, have been arrested since Monday, and dozens of people have been injured.
More than 600 police officers have also been injured, according to national police spokesperson Agathe Foucault.
Faure said the protests had become “out of control” and urged students to stop blocking schools and take part in peaceful demonstrations instead.
Student unions are planning a national day of protests on Tuesday. Authorities are concerned the demonstrations could lead to more violence.
Students have been protesting overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and aging school buildings, saying years of underfunding have left schools in poor condition.
