Thousands of secondary school pupils in France blockaded their schools again on October 6. Adults have also joined them in support of the movement, which is being continued for weeks. Clashes between demonstrators and police have taken place in Lyon and Strasbourg, while in Paris up to 40,000 people are expected to take part in the demonstrations.
It is reported that in 891 of France’s 3,700 secondary schools, classes have been cancelled wholly or partially “for various reasons”.
According to the Secondary Schools Pupils’ Union, 1,800 schools have been blocked and closed. In some cases local authorities have tried to hold classes online.
According to the country’s Interior Ministry, 86,000 people are taking part in the demonstrations in various cities. This figure does not include the demonstrators in Paris.
Secondary school pupils in France are protesting against teachers’ frequent absences, the excessively long school day, the deplorable condition of school buildings and other problems connected with the education system. The protest movement began on 17 September.
