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French Student Protests Disrupt Schools as Police Use Tear Gas and Water Cannon
French students continued demonstrations over school conditions on Thursday, blockading some high schools and marching in Paris and other cities. The protests are now in their third week, with students calling for more teachers, better-maintained buildings and improved learning conditions.
In Paris, police charged protesters and used water cannon at Bastille Square as crowds gathered. Reuters reported scuffles at some locations in Paris and Nantes, while police also used water cannon in Rennes. Police had fired tear gas at protests in Paris and other French cities earlier in the week, including during Tuesday’s demonstrations.
The scale of school disruption changed during Thursday. France’s Education Ministry said 224 schools were closed in the morning, falling to 157 by lunchtime, with 96% of schools open. On Tuesday, classes were fully or partly suspended at 891 schools, according to figures reported by the Associated Press.
The movement began in the Paris suburbs in September and has spread nationwide. Students have raised concerns about teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, long school days and buildings in poor condition. Some teachers have also joined marches, describing shortages of basic classroom resources.
The protests have also prompted criticism of police tactics, particularly after teenagers were seriously injured during earlier clashes. The government suspended the use of stun grenades in policing the protests after a teenager lost a hand. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised concrete responses by late October, while Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced an emergency plan to replace absent teachers and review school schedules. Student organisers say they will continue demonstrations, arguing that the government has yet to provide enough detail.
The situation remains fluid, with further marches planned. School closures and police responses may vary by city and day; Thursday’s ministry figures show that most schools were open even as demonstrations and blockades continued.
