Brief
Thousands protest in France as schools shut amid student riots
Protests over under‑funded schools led to mass arrests and widespread school closures across France on Tuesday.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, tens of thousands of French students took to the streets in cities including Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Marseille and Nantes to demand education reform, Fox News reported.
What happened
The Interior Ministry said 6,100 people were taken into custody since the protests began in September, while the Education Ministry reported that classes were totally or partially suspended at 891 schools. Police injuries numbered at least 715, and 215 teenagers were reported injured in clashes. Video showed demonstrators lighting fires, confronting police with tear gas and a water cannon, and holding signs such as “The state has killed national education.”
What the reports add
Reuters supplied the figures for police and teen injuries, and noted that the High School Students Union said more than half of France’s high schools were closed or blockaded on Tuesday. The article also quoted a recent graduate, Roberta, who said students want more funding to renovate schools. Former President Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming the unrest was linked to “mass migration” and Islam, a statement Fox News included.
What was said
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu asked ministers to address demands such as school repairs, longer lunch breaks and a review of the 8 a.m.‑6 p.m. school day. Roberta told Reuters, “We want more money for the national educational system so that high schools are renovated.”
How it came about
Earlier protests in early October had already seen headteachers doused in petrol and multiple school fires, prompting a crisis meeting by the prime minister’s office, as covered in Felo’s earlier reports.
Key facts
- 6,100 people were taken into custody since the protests began in September (foxnews.com)
- 891 schools were partially or fully suspended on Oct. 6 (foxnews.com)
- At least 715 police officers and 215 teenagers were injured (foxnews.com)
Sources
- [1] foxnews.com — originally reported as “France explodes again as students riot over education”
