Overview
- The student movement that began in mid‑September over teacher shortages, overcrowded classes and decaying school buildings has continued into a fourth week with fresh demonstrations on Tuesday.
- Greta Thunberg joined pupils outside Lycée Paul Eluard in Saint‑Denis on Tuesday, drawing international media and solidarity as marches and blockades took place in Paris and other cities.
- Officials reported about 200 to 214 high schools closed on the day, a sharp drop from earlier peaks but still disruptive for pupils and staff in many poorer suburbs.
- The government has deployed roughly 3,000 substitute teachers to the worst‑affected schools, suspended the use of stun grenades after a teenager lost a hand, and opened internal and judicial probes into police conduct.
- More than 6,800 people have been detained since the protests began, about 86 percent of them minors, and the unrest is sharpening debate ahead of next year’s presidential election while the state faces limited budget room for larger reforms.