French Students, Teachers, Parents Protest; Police Use Tear Gas

Tens of thousands of students, teachers, and parents demonstrated across France on October 6, 2026, demanding better learning conditions, leading to clashes with police who deployed tear gas.

The nationwide day of action saw students blockading high schools, protesting issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated buildings, which they attribute to underinvestment. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described the protests as the most violent school demonstrations in decades, stating that 215 teenagers and 85 school staff had been injured, alongside over 700 police officers.

The Interior Ministry reported 6,100 arrests since the protests began in September, with the majority being minors. In Paris, police used tear gas and pepper spray, while demonstrators threw rocks. A far-left mayor, Bally Bagayoko, joined protesters in Paris. The protests have become a political issue ahead of the presidential election. Lecornu defended police actions, stating accidents happen and rejecting the term police brutality.

He announced that high school classes would be suspended later in the week to allow for internal democracy. The movement originated in Paris suburbs in late September and has spread nationwide, with some sources estimating up to 256,000 participants on October 6, while organizers estimated closer to half a million. A 15-year-old student lost a hand on October 5 after a police grenade detonated, and another youth reportedly lost an eye. Investigations into these incidents are underway.