Police throw tear gas as they struggle to contain France's biggest student protests in decades

France is currently experiencing its most significant student protests in decades, with demonstrations intensifying throughout September and early October 2026. These widespread protests, which began in disadvantaged Parisian suburbs and quickly spread nationally, are primarily driven by student anger over inadequate school resources and a looming national debt crisis affecting education funding. Students cite issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated facilities, and insufficient support staff.

The demonstrations have seen clashes between students and law enforcement, with police deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters. Thousands of individuals, predominantly teenagers, have been arrested, and numerous students and police officers have sustained injuries during the unrest. The government has acknowledged some of the students' grievances as legitimate, while also condemning the violence that has accompanied some of the protests. The scale of the movement has seen over a quarter of a million people participate in nationwide rallies, leading to the closure or blockade of more than half of France's high schools.