Caen university blocked as student protests escalate

A student movement in Caen, France, has escalated on Monday, October 5, 2026, with the university campus blocked and demonstrations underway, following a week of high school protests. The mobilization, which began with high school students, has expanded to university students demanding more government funding for national education. At least six high schools in the Caen area are closed, and the campus 1 of the University of Caen has been blocked since early morning. Protesters cite deteriorating learning conditions, including class sizes of 32 to 40 students, long schedules from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and un-replaced teacher posts. They emphasize their demands are peaceful and legitimate, distancing themselves from any violence.