Tens of thousands expected at French student protests in Paris

Tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to take to the streets of Paris as trade unions join high school students protesting over poor school conditions, according to reports by The Journal and France 24. The office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for peaceful gatherings amid escalating demonstrations. [1][3]

Students have blocked access to hundreds of high schools for 15 to 17-year-olds since late September, The Journal reported. Protesters complain about missing teachers, overloaded timetables, dilapidated classrooms, and school buildings unable to handle rising temperatures. [1]

While many demonstrations have remained peaceful, some protesters have lit dustbin fires, destroyed bus shelters, and clashed with riot police, according to The Journal. Authorities have responded with batons, tear gas, and riot-control rounds, with the government stating that 215 students have been involved. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the nationwide school protests have already led to severe incidents, including a 15-year-old boy losing his hand after picking up a stun grenade in Lens and up to 500 schools closing across France. [11]

Paris is the capital and largest city of France, which has a total population of 68.6 million people. [9][10]