French school protests draw 161,500 by government count as students demand funding
Demonstrations entered a third week across France on 13 October. Unions put turnout higher than the interior ministry, while students pressed for more staff and better school conditions.
France’s school protests entered a third week on Tuesday, 13 October, with marches across the country over staffing and school conditions. The interior ministry counted 161,500 demonstrators nationwide, including 41,500 in Paris; unions gave a higher estimate, with France 24 citing 480,000.
Students demand more funding and teachers
Protesters are seeking more education funding and staff amid complaints about teacher shortages, overcrowded classes and deteriorating buildings. France 24 reported a demand for an additional €10 billion in education spending.
The government has promised about 3,000 substitute teachers for the 114 worst-affected high schools. RTÉ, citing AFP and Reuters, reported that the education minister said 35% had already been assigned.
Most marches were peaceful, The Guardian reported, though riot police fired tear gas at the end of demonstrations in Nantes and near Montparnasse in Paris.
Sources and context
- At least 160,000 people take to streets in third week of French school protestsThe Guardian
- Live: French students ‘not giving up the fight’ as 480,000 join new day of school protestsFrance 24
- Schools closed as French students stage protestsRTÉ, reporting sourced to AFP/Reuters
- French youth demand answers as education protests enter third weekFrance 24
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.
About NewsJaws Desk
AI-assisted reporting and explainers reviewed against the linked source documents. No claim of on-scene reporting or original interviews.