French Pupils Continue Barricading Schools Amidst Protests
Source reports published 26 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 27 Oct 2026, 6:32 am AEST
French students are continuing to barricade schools and participate in street protests in response to government measures. The government has announced measures including class size caps and a review of the university application system, but student representatives maintain that these are insufficient and intend to continue protests until their demands are met.
What happened
- French students, represented by Les Lycéens, are maintaining street protests and barricading schools following government proposals to address concerns about school conditions and university admissions.
- Pierre Sourzat stated that the situation remains a ‘power struggle’ requiring continued mobilization.
- The government, led by Édouard Geffray, has implemented measures including capping class sizes in low-income areas and reviewing the university application system, known as Parcoursup.
- Louis Letoublon, a representative of Les Lycéens, expressed satisfaction with the government’s response but asserted that demands remain unmet and protests will continue.
- Philippe Baptiste announced the creation of 15,000 additional student places in higher education.
- Following widespread unrest on October 17th, characterized by looting and vandalism, authorities have increased security measures and placed restrictions on demonstrations.
- Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the ongoing protests and stated that the movement would subside if legitimate expectations were addressed and order maintained.
- Laurent Nuñez reported new phenomena in cities like Nice and Montpellier involving ultra-right groups targeting protesters.
- The government’s concessions regarding Parcoursup and university admissions are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, respectively, placing them beyond President Macron’s term in office.
Original reporting
- Guardian: Protest leaders urge French pupils to keep barricading their schools
2026-10-26T00:00:00+00:00 - PBS NewsHour: France pledges new university admissions to quell student anger. But only after Macron leaves office
2026-10-26T20:32:27+00:00