Tens of Thousands March Across France in Solidarity with High School Protesters

Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France on Tuesday to show solidarity with high school students, significantly escalating pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s administration as his final year in office approaches. According to the interior ministry, approximately 161,500 people participated nationwide, a figure that more than doubles the 71,500 reported during the previous nationwide demonstration last Thursday. However, labor unions organizing the events estimated the actual turnout at 480,000.

The surge in participation highlights a growing opposition to the government just six months before France holds elections to choose Macron’s successor. Organizers anticipate that the current student-led movement will merge with planned national demonstrations against the rising cost of living scheduled for this Saturday. This civil unrest coincides with the centrist government’s struggle to pass a budget aimed at curbing costs, amid worsening national debt that has unsettled financial markets.

While most marches proceeded peacefully, incidents of violence marred portions of two demonstrations in Paris. The interior ministry reported 41,500 attendees in the capital, where AFP journalists observed masked youths attempting to build roadblocks, set cars ablaze, and throw objects at police. Authorities responded by deploying tear gas. Similar tear gas use was recorded during a separate protest in Lyon.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined the ranks of protesters in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Addressing the crowd outside the Lycee Paul Eluard, she stated she attended because “our future is being robbed.” Her presence underscored the international attention the protests have garnered.

The demonstration drew support from university students, teachers, union leaders, and members of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party. Jean-Luc Melenchon, LFI’s leader and a presidential candidate, was spotted among the crowds in Paris. Protests also occurred in Nantes, Lens, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Marseille.

Participants expressed frustration over perceived neglect and harsh law enforcement responses. Emeline, a 16-year-old in Marseille, declared, “We need real measures and proper dialogue, not repression.” Seventeen-year-old Nina added, “We’re here because we really feel we’re not being heard by the government.” The student movement originated last month when teenagers blocked school entrances to demand improved classroom conditions, including addressing staff shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and overcrowding.

Tensions escalated following reports of severe injuries sustained during earlier clashes. One teenager lost a hand after picking up a police stun grenade, while others suffered eye injuries or lost teeth due to teargas canisters. The education ministry confirmed that 147 teaching staff members have been injured. Police have launched internal investigations into 34 allegations of violence against demonstrators.

Patricia, a 20-year-old university student in Paris, emphasized the movement’s resilience: “We’re not giving up the fight, whether it’s for the high school students who were hit with a harsh crackdown, or for denouncing police violence.” In response to the unrest, the education ministry reported that 214 schools, primarily high schools, were closed on Tuesday. The university student union l’Union Etudiante noted that 90 percent of universities nationwide shut their doors to show support.

Students have dismissed a government offer to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers to the 114 most affected schools, viewing it as insufficient. Naouel, a high schooler in Brest, asserted, “We are continuing the blockades. We are not budging,” expressing hope that protests would resume after the late October half-term holidays. Mariolino, a 16-year-old in Nantes, agreed, stating that those expecting the anger to dissipate during the break “just don’t get it.” Earlier in the week, President Macron urged restraint, suggesting the issues require time, consultation, and discussion rather than confrontation.