French students confront a heavy police presence as tear gas fills the area during a protest in Paris over school conditions and France’s education system.
Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 8, 2026
PARIS — Student protests continued across France on Thursday, with demonstrations and school blockades spreading to more cities as teenagers demand better funding, more teachers and improved school facilities.
In northeastern Paris, students barricaded the Hélène Boucher high school with rubbish bins before police moved in and used tear gas to clear the area. Demonstrations were also planned in other parts of the country, including a major rally in Paris.
The protests have been underway for several weeks and have disrupted hundreds of schools. Students have cited teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating buildings among their main concerns.
The unrest has also focused attention on police tactics. The government suspended the use of stun grenades at student demonstrations after a 15-year-old boy lost his hand during a confrontation with police. Authorities have also opened investigations into several incidents involving protesters.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised that the government will present proposals addressing the students’ concerns by the end of October. Education officials have also pledged emergency measures to address teacher absences and examine overcrowded school schedules.
The protests come as the French government faces wider financial and political pressures, including negotiations over the 2027 budget and rising government borrowing costs. Eurozone officials are urging France to approve a credible budget as concerns over its deficit continue to weigh on financial markets.
