Student union calls for school blockades

Sabrine Kharbach, a spokesperson for the Student Union, called for blocking high schools and universities on Tuesday and Thursday in response to the government's ban on a planned protest route in Paris for Saturday. The call was made at the Bagnolet door, where a demonstration against the high cost of living had taken place on October 31.

Protesters accuse government of creating chaos

Kharbach spoke on behalf of the high school union, the student union, and the intersyndical, denouncing the ban on the Parisian route and accusing the government of being "responsible for the chaos." She argued that the government's attempts to ban weekly demonstrations and traditional processions would be challenged, and that the students' demands are legitimate.

More blockades and demonstrations planned

Kharbach announced that universities and high schools would be blocked starting Tuesday, organized by the High School Union, the Student Union, and the Intersyndical. Another blockade was planned for Thursday, followed by a demonstration on November 5 called by workers.

Student leaders urge assembly and continued action

Manon Moret, general secretary of the National Union of French Students (Unef), stated that the government had not yet concretely responded to the demands of youth and invited them to organize in an assembly (AG) on Monday. Before the school holidays that began on October 16, several high schools and universities were already blocked by students.

Students demand better conditions and infrastructure

The students are demanding better study conditions, the abolition of Parcoursup, more teachers for high school students, more material resources, and a renovation of the buildings of the institutions. Some initial measures were announced by the government to content creators, which do not seem to satisfy the unions.

Student leaders emphasize dignity and infrastructure needs

Ryad Rani, president of the USL, stated that students are not asking for luxury or a MacBook in every classroom or a gourmet restaurant, but are asking for conditions of dignity, proper conditions to study, and a national plan on the buildings. He added, "And Tuesday, we block." He also stated that the USL would support the blockades organized by high school students, students, and female students starting on Monday, but invited them to organize in an AG on Monday to better block Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and as long as it takes to finally win and have dignified conditions in this country.