French Student Protests to Continue After Talks Fail to Deliver Concrete Measures

French high school student protests will continue next Tuesday, October 6, after student organizations left a meeting with the Education Minister without what they consider "concrete measures." This Friday, over 400 high schools were closed, with damages already reaching 10 million euros in the Paris and Occitania regions alone. The movement, which began two weeks ago in the Paris region, has gained national scope. On Thursday, 1,207 schools were disrupted or blocked, according to the Education Ministry. Student grievances include teacher shortages, overcrowded classes, dilapidated buildings, long schedules, and criticism of the Parcoursup higher education platform. Violence has escalated, with 1,949 people detained on Thursday alone, plus fires, property damage, and clashes with police. The government has withdrawn a 2027 budget proposal charging non-scholarship students for certain programs, but student groups demand broader action, including teacher recruitment and an emergency plan for school buildings. Education Minister Édouard Geffray reported 65 education staff injured since the movement began, noting many violent episodes involved outsiders.