Politics · France · 2 hrs ago
Students and unions prepare nationwide protests over French school conditions
Students, unions and opposition groups planned nationwide demonstrations in France on Tuesday over poor school conditions.
Students say schools lack teachers and have dilapidated buildings, alongside other problems with classes.
The protests began in late September, and more than 70,000 people demonstrated last Thursday, with about 500 arrests.
Most protests have been peaceful, but authorities say violence is intensifying, and students and rights groups accuse police of using excessive force.
The government has begun assigning about 3,000 substitute teachers to the worst-affected schools, but the students’ union says this is not enough and wants more funding.
Wider rallies against the rising cost of living are planned for Saturday, and some students hope their protest will join them.
France was preparing for nationwide demonstrations on Tuesday, October 13, over poor school conditions and teacher shortages.
The mobilisation was backed by unions and the opposition France Unbowed party, with a march planned in Paris and demonstrations in other cities.
More than 70,000 people protested across France on October 8, and about 500 were arrested.
The education ministry said school closures were declining but violence was intensifying.
Students and unions say schools need more staff and better buildings, while the government says addressing grievances will take time.
- Who
- Students, unions and opposition groups, including France Unbowed.
- What
- They planned nationwide demonstrations over poor school conditions, including teacher shortages and dilapidated buildings.
- When
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Across France, including a planned march in Paris.
- Why
- Students are protesting poor classroom conditions and other grievances, including absent teachers, dilapidated buildings and overcrowded schedules.
Students and unions
French government
School resources
Students and unions
The national students’ union called the government’s planned deployment of substitute teachers “crumbs” and demanded a 10 billion-euro boost for lycees.
French government
The government promised about 3,000 substitute teachers for the 114 worst-affected high schools, and said assignments had started.
Protest grievances
Students and unions
Students say their proposals are not being heard and want action on poor school conditions.
French government
President Emmanuel Macron said the issues require time, consultations, discussion and respect, and urged restraint from protesters.
More than 70,000 people demonstrated across France, and about 500 people were arrested.
The education ministry said 130 of France’s 3,700 lycees were closed and reported that school closures were falling while violence was intensifying.
Fresh nationwide demonstrations were planned, including a march through Paris starting at 1200 GMT.
- Previous demonstration
- More than 70,000 people across France on October 8
- Arrests
- About 500 after the October 8 demonstrations
- School closures
- 130 of 3,700 lycees on October 12
- Planned Paris march
- 1200 GMT on October 13
- Substitute teachers
- About 3,000 planned for the 114 worst-affected high schools
What people are saying
Students aren’t being heard enough... not their proposals to authorities and elected officials
These are issues that deserve time, consultations, discussion and respect
crumbs
Sources
Related news
Armed pupil wounds teacher and principal at Aubagne school
20 education staff injured in one day of French student protests
Oxfam France challenges the state over tax inequality
French student protesters compare experiences with activists from 1986 and 2006
French lawmakers begin debate on budget revenue measures
Raphaël Glucksmann wins French centre-left presidential primary
French minister says extra education spending must be funded by savings elsewhere
Medef chief says young people in France lack support as student protests grow
Student protests put young voters on France’s presidential campaign agenda
France says deployment of 3,000 substitute teachers has begun
French lawmakers vote to make supermarket use of meal vouchers permanent
