France Student Protests: Universities and High Schools Face New Blockades From Tuesday

21:30

France is bracing for another wave of student-led mobilization as high school and university organizations announce plans to resume blockades from Tuesday, following renewed tensions over restrictions imposed on protest routes in Paris.

The announcement comes amid a growing social movement opposing the rising cost of living and calling for greater attention to young people's concerns. The latest demonstrations, marking the third major day of mobilization in October, have also raised concerns among authorities about possible clashes and urban unrest, particularly during the evening.

Legal Dispute Changes Paris Demonstration Route

The Paris protest route became the focus of an intense legal dispute between demonstration organizers and police authorities.

The Paris police prefecture initially prohibited the planned march between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation, citing security concerns. Authorities instead proposed an alternative route away from central Paris and major shopping areas.

The organizers, including the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), challenged the decision before the administrative court. On Friday evening, the court suspended the restriction and reinstated the original route.

However, the Council of State subsequently overturned that ruling following an appeal by the police prefect. The highest administrative court considered the restrictions necessary and proportionate, arguing that the alternative route would maintain demonstrators' freedom to assemble while ensuring their demands remained visible.

Consequently, the Paris demonstration was redirected to a route linking Porte de Bagnolet and Porte de Charenton, in the eastern part of the capital.

Student Organizations Announce Further Mobilization

The judicial decision triggered strong criticism from student representatives, who accused authorities of undermining the right to demonstrate.

The Federation of General Student Associations (FAGE) described the restrictions as another obstacle to freedom of assembly and warned that the measures could put demonstrators at risk.

Shortly before the Paris march began at 2 p.m., representatives of the High School Students' Union and the Student Union announced a new wave of blockades targeting schools and universities.

The organizations called on students to mobilize from Tuesday, when educational institutions reopen following the All Saints' holiday, and continue their actions until further notice.

Sabrine Kharbach, spokesperson for the Student Union, argued that repeated attempts to restrict demonstrations would not weaken the movement. She maintained that students intended to defend their right to express their demands through collective action.

Authorities Deploy Extensive Security Measures

The latest mobilization has prompted a substantial security operation across Paris, with the government maintaining arrangements similar to those introduced during the previous demonstration on October 24.

According to information provided by the Interior Minister's entourage, approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been mobilized nationwide, alongside additional specialized security resources.

The authorities are particularly concerned about a possible escalation similar to the violence recorded on October 17, when demonstrations were accompanied by significant destruction and looting.

Union representatives have nevertheless urged protesters to comply with the route imposed by the authorities. The CGT's Paris co-secretary-general also called for respect for the designated itinerary, while criticizing the decision to move demonstrations away from central areas as a reflection of what she described as the government's marginalization of social demands.

Paris Faces Transport Disruptions and Nighttime Restrictions

Security preparations have also affected public transport and daily activities in the French capital.

More than 40 Paris Metro stations have been closed across several central and eastern districts, while tram services have experienced disruptions.

The police prefecture has additionally announced a nighttime curfew covering the République and Châtelet–Les Halles districts, running from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Paris City Hall has scheduled more than 1,000 municipal workers to clean public spaces throughout the weekend and address any damage resulting from the demonstrations.

As the movement enters another phase, the planned student blockades suggest that tensions surrounding the cost of living, youth concerns and freedom of assembly could extend beyond street demonstrations and increasingly affect educational institutions across France.