Arabic version: طلاب باريس يطالبون بإجراءات ملموسة في التعليم

According to The Guardian, a major demonstration by French high school and university students was getting under way at Place de la Bastille in Paris on Thursday, with large numbers of people attending. Protest leaders criticised what they called government “empty promises” and demanded “concrete measures” on education.

The leaders said protest action would continue until their demands were met. French CRS riot police were positioned at Place de la Bastille, where protesters gathered near the Colonne de Juillet monument. Images from the scene showed high-school students, banners and placards, as well as demonstrators climbing the July Column.

The movement continued elsewhere in France, including a new march in Marseille. Students also demonstrated over school conditions in Montpellier. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the left-wing presidential candidate whose France Unbowed party has supported the protests, was expected to address the Paris crowd.

Education ministry figures indicated that school blockades were gradually decreasing despite the continuing demonstrations. The ministry said 224 schools were closed in the morning, falling to 157 by lunchtime, while 96% of schools remained open. Student groups nevertheless called for another day of mobilisation on Tuesday, 13 October, indicating that the protests were expected to continue.