Students in France, aged mostly 15 to 18, begin a fresh phase of demonstrations against school conditions, as authorities brace for renewed disruptions. Reports say students have blockaded entrances to hundreds of lycees (high schools) since late September, citing grievances including absent teachers, overcrowded classes, overloaded schedules and dilapidated classrooms. Riot police are deployed in some areas, and occasional clashes have been reported.
French President Emmanuel Macron urges “respect” as the government tries to wind down the movement. Some outlets note the education ministry reports a sharp decline in blockades and meetings outside lycees, with more schools opening in recent days. Authorities also factor in broader protest calls, including online activism urging demonstrations next Saturday over the cost of living, raising concerns about possible momentum similar to the 2018 Yellow Vest protests. A government source cited costs from the demonstrations at least in the tens of millions of euros, underscoring the impact on affected schools and public order efforts.
