University students in France have joined secondary school students in a wave of protests across the country, demanding the replacement of absent teachers and more resources. According to the Union of Students, around thirty university campuses were blocked on October 1, 2026, from Paris to Marseille. The student union described this mobilization as historic. Despite access to the blocked locations being impeded, universities can transfer classes to remote format.
Secondary schools across France, including the Bréquigny high school in Brittany, the largest in the region, were also blocked. A group of people gathered in front of one of the school's entrances, blocking passage. Student Lola expressed frustration, stating that they feel unheard and are forced to take to the streets due to the lack of replacement for absent teachers. This student movement began a week ago in the suburbs of Paris and has since gained momentum.
The protests intensified on Wednesday, with 356 institutions blocked across the country, up from 338 on Tuesday, according to the French Ministry of Interior. The demonstrations have not been without incident. In Nantes, western France, an arson attack destroyed part of a school's entrance during a blockade. The vice-director, Gaëlle Cordier, reported that a "criminal fire" spread to the school's facade.
In Strasbourg, hundreds of students, mostly dressed in black, staged a tumultuous protest in front of the Couffignal high school. They blocked traffic, including a tram line, and set fire to large trash containers. There are concerns that the protests may turn violent, as previous blockades have resulted in injuries and clashes with police. The IGPN, or "police of police," has opened three investigations into incidents involving student injuries during school blockades.
The protests have resulted in significant disruptions, with 625 people detained and 83 police and gendarmes injured on Wednesday alone. Since the start of the blockades, 119 students and staff have been injured. The unrest has prompted concerns about the potential for further violence and the impact on the education system.
The student movement is demanding more resources and the replacement of absent teachers. The protests have spread across France, with universities and secondary schools joining in. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing concerns about safety and the potential for further disruptions.
The French government has not yet commented on the protests. The situation continues to unfold, with students and teachers pushing for change. The protests highlight the challenges facing the French education system and the need for increased resources and support.
Key points
- University students in France join secondary school protests demanding teacher replacements and more resources.
- Protests have spread across France, with 356 institutions blocked on Wednesday.
- 625 people detained and 83 police and gendarmes injured on Wednesday alone.
