France deploys supply teachers following weeks of nationwide student protests

The French government has agreed to deploy around 3,000 supply teachers to schools with severe staffing shortages following more than two weeks of nationwide student protests. France 24 reported that student unions welcomed the decision, describing it as a major concession from officials after demonstrations turned violent in several areas. [1]

The protests began on September 21, 2026, over poor school conditions, leading to the closure of up to 500 high schools across France, as FTMQ News reported earlier. Trade unions and teachers later joined the high school students in blockades and walkouts. [2][3]

The demonstrations have involved widespread arrests and violence. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the French Interior Ministry recorded 1,949 arrests on October 1, 2026, while one teenage student lost a hand due to a police grenade. [2][3]

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu previously addressed the nation on television to promise a plan addressing student concerns, as FTMQ News reported earlier. Lecornu denied that security forces had been ordered to confront protesting students. [2]