French student unions call for renewed school and university blockades as nationwide protests build toward Nov. 5 strike
French student and high-school unions have called for renewed blockades of universities and schools next week, seeking to maintain pressure on the government as nationwide protests over education, living costs and public services move toward a major strike on Nov. 5.
Sabrina Kharbach, spokesperson for the Union Étudiante, called on students to join new blockades from Tuesday, following a joint appeal by student and high-school organizations and the broader inter-union coalition.
“We will block again on Thursday and then take part in the Nov. 5 demonstration called by workers who are going on strike,” Kharbach said, adding that organizers expect greater participation.
Manon Moret, secretary-general of the National Union of French Students, or UNEF, said the government had still not provided a concrete response to young people’s demands.
The calls came during France’s third nationwide day of social mobilization in three weeks on Saturday, as demonstrations continued across the country.
The Interior Ministry deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, describing the security operation as exceptional because of a high risk of public-order disturbances.
Authorities said around 150 organized marches were expected, while Anadolu reported roughly 350 protest-related events across France.
The unrest began with student anger over conditions in schools and universities but has broadened into a larger movement encompassing the rising cost of living, inequality, public spending and public services.
The government has announced a series of education measures, including additional university places, school renovation funding and changes to the Parcoursup admissions system, but student organizations say the concessions remain insufficient.
The next major test for the movement will come on Nov. 5, when trade unions have called a nationwide strike and student organizations plan to join workers in demonstrations.