French Students Block High Schools Ahead of Nationwide Strike

PARIS, Nov 3 (OPA) — Students blockaded dozens of high schools across France on Tuesday to maintain pressure on the government over education reforms as trade unions prepared for a nationwide strike later this week. Returning from a two-week autumn break, students resumed protests to demand school renovations, smaller class sizes, and increased university capacity.

Authorities reported that 48 out of France's 3,700 high schools were blocked, affecting cities including Paris, Rennes, Toulouse, and Lyon. The Union syndicale lycéenne strongly contested those official figures, claiming that 500 establishments faced disruptions. The student union condemned heavy-handed tactics by law enforcement, citing riot police deployments outside campuses.

The high school demonstrations coincide with a broader national movement against soaring living costs and strained public services. Similar student actions have spread to neighboring European countries including Belgium, Italy, and Spain, where protesters adopted the French term blocus.

Last week, the French government unveiled proposed reforms to university admissions and education infrastructure. Student leaders dismissed the measures as insufficient. Both students and trade unions plan further blockades and demonstrations on Thursday.