French Unions Say 480,000 People Took Part in Pro-Student Protests
Official turnout reached 161,500 as students and unions pressed for more teachers and repairs, while police brutality claims fueled wider support.
- On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, thousands of demonstrators marched across France supporting student protests, with unions estimating around 480,000 participants and official figures counting 161,500 demonstrators.
- Teenagers at France's lycées began blocking school entrances late last month to demand better classroom conditions, including more teachers and repairs to their crumbling buildings.
- University students and teachers joined Tuesday's marches, denouncing what many termed police violence; 147 staff members were injured and police opened investigations into 34 allegations of brutality.
- Protesters rejected a government pledge to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers to 114 high schools, as high school student Naouel vowed, "We are continuing the blockades. We are not budging."
- Student demonstrations may merge with broader cost-of-living rallies on Saturday, October 17, 2026, creating potential street unrest six months before voters choose a successor to President Emmanuel Macron.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Thousands of people take to the streets again before measures considered “crumbs” by protesters
According to the newspaper "Le Monde" the trade union platform of student organizations and high school students, in a note sent to the press, claimed about 480,000 people throughout the territory.
A number of high school demonstrations were held throughout France on Tuesday, 13 October. The Ministry of the Interior counts 161,500 demonstrators throughout the country, which is less important than last week. For their part, the organizers announce an increasing mobilization, with 480,000 young people on the streets throughout France. - High school students' anger: 161,500 demonstrators in France according to the ministry, 480,000 according …
Decided to "let nothing go" and supported by Greta Thunberg, high school students and students again went down the street on Tuesday, calling to join demonstrations against "the expensive life", scheduled on Saturday, despite a downward mobilization according to the government.
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