French students maintain pressure on the government through new demonstrations, despite concessions

New student demonstrations are scheduled for Tuesday in France, at a moment considered decisive for the protest movement that began in mid-September. Student organizations are seeking to maintain pressure on the government, despite authorities’ hopes that the scale of the protests will decline.

The protests have caused an estimated €30 million in damages, according to a government source. The Ministry of Justice announced that more than 6,800 people have been detained since the demonstrations began, 86% of them minors.

The protests have been marked by violent clashes with law enforcement. After a teenager was seriously injured by a stun grenade, forcing doctors to amputate one of his hands, authorities suspended the use of these devices last week. Police are also investigating 18 alleged cases of abuse committed by members of the security forces.

The government announced that approximately 3,000 substitute teachers would be sent to 114 affected high schools, along with adjustments to the 2027 budget. The High School Students’ Union considers the measures insufficient and is calling for an additional €10 million in investment to renovate and modernize educational institutions.

Participation in the protests remains high: last Thursday’s demonstrations brought together 71,500 people, while the previous Tuesday’s protests drew nearly 256,000 nationwide. Polls show that 54% of citizens support the students’ demands. At the same time, approximately 10,000 medical students fear that school blockades could affect their residency examinations this week.