French unions join student protests over school conditions

French labor unions joined high school students in mass protests across France on Tuesday, demanding better school conditions and protesting police actions, according to multiple sources.¹²⁶

Protest details

Since late September, students aged 15 to 18 have been blocking access to lycées, citing shortages of teachers, overcrowded schedules, deteriorating classrooms and buildings unable to handle increasing heat.²

On Tuesday, the demonstrations grew to feature marches in cities throughout France, with teachers and union members participating alongside students.²

A large procession left central Paris in the early afternoon, beginning at 2pm from Place de la République as protesters gathered to march.²

Government response

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu declared a 'zero tolerance' policy toward protester violence and announced that regular high school classes would be halted for the remainder of the week to facilitate internal democratic dialogue.²

Sophie Binet, leader of the CGT labour union, stated that union members would be present to 'protect high school students' throughout the demonstrations.²⁶

The office of Prime Minister Lecornu urged that all assemblies remain 'peaceful'.²⁶

Police actions and injuries

In Lyon, police engaged with protesters; tear gas was deployed in Paris and Marseille, and water cannon used in Rennes, though the level of serious disturbance was lower than in earlier demonstrations.¹

Government officials reported disruptions in 891 high schools on Tuesday – nearly one in four lycées – and stated that over 250,000 people participated in street demonstrations that day.¹

Student unions estimated the turnout at 450,000 and reported that 1,800 high schools were blocked, which protesters labeled 'Act Three' of their campaign.¹