The key facts

  • The interior and education ministers issued a directive on systematically detaining participants in high school blockades
  • Protests have been ongoing since mid-September due to teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and poor school conditions
  • For Saturday's demonstration in Paris, 30,000–60,000 people are expected; around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been mobilized

Ministerial Directive: Detentions and Lawsuits by School Principals

The French government has ordered stricter and more consistent disciplinary sanctions against students and education staff taking part in high school blockades. A joint directive from the interior and education ministers, sent to regional education officials and prefects, instructs them to keep police forces at schools where blockades are taking place from early morning and to 'systematically detain offenders.' School principals are also advised to file civil lawsuits in cases of damage to school property.

'Restoring a Calm Environment Is an Absolute Priority'

The ministers emphasized that 'restoring a calm environment is an absolute priority' and stated the need to ensure that students can attend classes and prepare for exams in appropriate conditions. The measures come against the backdrop of nationwide student protests that began in mid-September due to teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school buildings, and a lack of educational resources. Although most blockades remained peaceful, some were accompanied by vandalism and clashes in which students and school staff were injured.

Preparations for Saturday's Demonstrations

Preparations are underway for the resumption of demonstrations on Saturday, with 30,000–60,000 participants expected in Paris. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the country to maintain order. The SNPDEN-Unsa union called on school principals to gather outside their institutions in protest against the violence.