French students host fresh nationwide protests over classroom conditions

France prepared for nationwide student demonstrations on Tuesday as protests over poor classroom conditions continued across the country, France 24 reported. The latest mobilisation features a march in Paris alongside rallies in other cities. Blockades have already disrupted central Paris. [1]

Trade unions and the far-left France Unbowed party are supporting the student movement, according to France 24. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined student protesters outside a blockaded high school near Paris on 13 October 2026. [1][2]

Demonstrations originally escalated after trade unions and teachers joined high school students in nationwide walkouts and blockades, as FTMQ News reported earlier. Protesters are targeting dilapidated school buildings and teacher shortages. Up to 500 high schools were previously closed during the escalating demonstrations. [2][3]

The protests have also seen growing clashes and police intervention. As FTMQ News reported earlier, a teenage student lost a hand from a police grenade during earlier demonstrations, and the French Interior Ministry recorded 1,949 arrests on 1 October 2026. French authorities warned that violence surrounding the protests is intensifying despite a fall in school closures. [2][3]