Photos: School blockades, street protests grip France

Protesters increased pressure on the government of outgoing President Emmanuel Macron demanding more education funding.Protesters throw stones towards riot police during clashes in Lyon. [Olivier Chassignole/AFP]Published On 6 Oct 20266 Oct 2026Tens of thousands have taken to the streets across France as unions and teachers joined high school students who, for days, have been demanding better learning conditions in protests punctuated by violent confrontations.The French Ministry of the Interior said 86,000 people had already joined demonstrations across the country early on Tuesday, while the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) union put the figure at 260,000.Students have blocked the entrances to hundreds of high schools since late September, complaining of missing teachers, overloaded timetables, dilapidated classrooms and buildings unable to cope with rising temperatures.While many protests have been peaceful, some demonstrators have started fires, destroyed bus shelters or clashed with riot police.Police have responded with batons, tear gas and riot-control rounds.Injuries, investigationsThe government says 215 students and 715 police officers have been injured since the sta...