Tear gas and fires erupt as French student protests enter third week
Around 480,000 demonstrators marched nationwide, with Paris protests ending in tear gas and fires, while students demand €10 billion more education funding.
Key facts
- Around 480,000 people took part in nationwide student demonstrations on Tuesday, according to student and school unions (France 24, 13 Oct 2026).
- The Paris protest ended with tear gas and fires, France 24 reported (13 Oct 2026).
- Protests have continued for a third week, with students demanding more funding, better teaching conditions and additional staff (France 24, 13 Oct 2026).
- The government announced a plan to recruit 3,000 substitute teachers, which demonstrators say does not satisfy their demands (France 24, 13 Oct 2026).
- Demonstrators are calling for an extra €10 billion in education spending, France 24 noted (13 Oct 2026).
France 24 reported that student and school unions said about 480,000 participants joined nationwide demonstrations on Tuesday, marking an increase from the previous week. The outlet also noted that the protests have entered a third week, with students pressing for more education funding, improved teaching conditions and additional staff.
In Paris, the demonstration concluded with the use of tear gas and the outbreak of fires, France 24 said, noting that the protest ended as tensions escalated.
The government’s response, according to France 24, includes a plan to recruit 3,000 substitute teachers. Demonstrators have said the measure falls short of their expectations.
Students are demanding an additional €10 billion for education, France 24 reported. Teachers and unions have backed the protesters and warned that the mobilisation will continue as the government prepares budget cuts.
Context
Protests have now lasted three weeks, with students saying French schools suffer from insufficient funding and staffing shortages, prompting large‑scale demonstrations across the country.
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