New blockages in Toulouse schools

New blockages occurred on Thursday in several schools in Toulouse. Trash cans were set on fire in front of the Joséphine-Baker high school and at the intersection of Boulevard Déodat-de-Séverac and Rue Henri-Desbals. Firefighters and the anti-criminality unit (BAC) responded. A tree also caught fire within the school grounds.

Detentions and further blockages

At least three people were detained by law enforcement near the Place du Marché aux Arènes, according to La Dépêche du Midi. Blockages also occurred at Saint-Sernin High School, Berthelot High School, and at the Arènes, as well as in the former building of the Institut d'Études Politiques (IEP).

Peaceful procession in Toulouse

A procession took place peacefully in the afternoon. A declared demonstration left Place Saint-Sernin heading toward Saint-Cyprien. The procession reached the roundabout in the neighborhood after approximately two hours of walking, in a peaceful manner. Participants chanted slogans against the government, Parcoursup, and law enforcement.

Preparation for weekend mobilization

At the end of the gathering, a debriefing was organized in preparation for the weekend mobilization. Several gatherings are planned for Saturday, October 17, in the surrounding area. An appeal shared on social media invites people to gather at 2 p.m. near the Jean-Jaurès metro station in Toulouse, in solidarity with high school students and to support public services, purchasing power, and wages.

Multiple planned demonstrations

A gathering is also planned near Matabiau station at 10:30 a.m., as well as near a gas station on Boulevard de Suisse starting at 11 a.m. In Colomiers, a meeting is scheduled in front of the town hall at 2 p.m. A filtering barrier is also planned at 4 p.m. near a gas station on Avenue Dewoitine in Cornebarrieu.

National demonstrations against living costs

These initiatives are part of a national day of demonstrations against the high cost of living, relayed notably by groups linked to the Yellow Vests. The CGT 31, Solidaires, FSU 31, and the Toulouse Inter-High School General Assembly also call for demonstrations. However, the actual scale of the planned actions remains uncertain.