A massive mobilization of high school students took place in France on October 7, 2026, with over 250,000 people protesting in Paris and several other cities. The protests were demanding more resources for schools, with students calling for better facilities, smaller class sizes, and more teachers. The demonstrations were heavily policed, with a significant presence of security forces.
Clashes broke out between protesters and police in the afternoon, with projectiles, tear gas, and fireworks being used. The Paris police prefecture reported that 300 hostile individuals were present and 12 people were arrested. The protests were supported by unions, which called for education staff to join the demonstrations. The students are demanding better conditions in their schools, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The movement has been marked by violence, with 215 students injured since it began on September 17, 2026. The majority of these injuries were caused by accidents or by individuals outside of the protests. Around 40% of public higher education institutions were disrupted on the day of the protest, and a quarter of France's 3,700 high schools had classes suspended.
An investigation has been opened into police violence, with 11 cases being examined by the Inspection générale de la police nationale (IGPN). A police officer has been charged with violence after firing a tear gas grenade that seriously injured a high school student in the Paris region. A video showing a police officer in civilian clothes touching a young girl's hair and chest in Metz has also sparked an investigation.
Despite concerns about police violence, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has stated that the police interventions have been proportionate. He emphasized that the police must intervene when there are disturbances, but that they do so with tact, especially when dealing with high school students. The minister's comments come as the government faces criticism for its handling of the protests.
The government has condemned the violence, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stating that there can be no tolerance for violence. He accused the far-left party La France Insoumise (LFI) of seeking to create chaos in the country before the presidential election. The government has also announced that President Emmanuel Macron will hold a meeting to discuss the high school student movement.
The protests have caused significant disruptions, with hundreds of schools closed due to violence. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with many calling for more resources to be allocated to education. The movement is seen as a test for the government, which is seeking to avoid further escalation in the run-up to the presidential election.
Key points
- Over 250,000 people protested in France on October 7, 2026, demanding more resources for schools.
- 215 students have been injured since the start of the movement on September 17, 2026.
- The government has opened 11 investigations into police violence during the protests.
