French student protests and public-service strikes
French high school blockades resumed on a smaller scale, then joined by nationwide strikes and marches over living costs and public-service cuts. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to hold a social conference with unions and employers on Monday.
IllustrationThe story so far
On 1 November, Pierre Sourzat, head of a student group, said French high school blockades would restart on Monday and become more significant on Tuesday. He said the government's new measures did not go far enough and that the proposed university admissions overhaul failed to address the shortage of higher education places. On 2 November, students resumed protests after a two-week break, with 41 schools blockaded, about one percent of the country's 3,700, according to the Education Ministry. Students in Paris, Marseille and Rennes attempted blockades.
On 5 November, hundreds of thousands marched across France as striking teachers, hospital staff, rail workers and students protested over living costs and public-service cuts. The government put turnout at 575,000, while the CGT union said nearly 1.6 million took part. Police deployed 70,000 officers and reported 448 arrests. Authorities estimated 500,000 to 700,000 participants nationwide, and reports indicated some violence in Lyon, Nantes and Toulouse. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold a social conference with unions and employers on Monday.
Latest updates
4 updates · newest first- 5 NovNew development
France braces for fresh protests as unions strike over higher wages
Hundreds of thousands of people marched in French cities on Thursday as public workers staged a strike alongside protesting students. Unions demanded higher wages, tax reforms, and better learning conditions, with authorities estimating 500,000 to 700,000 participants nationwide. Police deployed 70,000 officers, and reports indicated some violence in cities including Lyon, Nantes, and Toulouse.
DW ↗
- 5 NovNew development
Hundreds of thousands march in France as strikes hit services
Hundreds of thousands marched across France on Thursday as striking teachers, hospital staff, rail workers and students protested over living costs and public-service cuts. The government put turnout at 575,000, while the CGT union said nearly 1.6 million took part; police deployed 70,000 officers and reported 448 arrests. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold a social conference with unions and employers on Monday.
The Guardian ↗
France 24 ↗
ABC News ↗
- 2 NovNew development
French school protests resume on smaller scale after holiday break
French high school students resumed protests on Monday on a much smaller scale, with 41 schools blockaded, about one percent of the country's 3,700, according to the Education Ministry. Students in Paris, Marseille and Rennes attempted blockades after a two-week break, while the government said it had offered concessions but student groups called for more action.
Al Jazeera ↗
- 1 NovNew development
French high school blockades to restart Monday, student union says
The head of a student group said high school blockades in France would restart on Monday and become more significant on Tuesday. Pierre Sourzat said the government's new measures did not go far enough, calling them smoke and mirrors. He argued the proposed university admissions overhaul failed to address the shortage of higher education places.