Oct 2026 : Thousands of demonstrators marched through central Paris to support high school students protesting for improved classroom conditions, with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joining the rally.
The demonstrations took place nationwide, involving high school pupils, university students, teachers, trade unions and members of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party. The protesters said their demands for better conditions in schools had not been adequately addressed.
The protests come around six months before France holds elections to choose a successor to President Emmanuel Macron. Authorities had hoped the demonstrations would subside ahead of the half-term holidays, scheduled to begin at the end of the week.
However, students at French high schools, known as lycees, have continued their agitation, supported by other sections of the education community and political groups.
French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon was also seen among the demonstrators in Paris, highlighting the political attention surrounding the protests.
