French School Closures: PM Lecornu Halts Lessons, Protests

French school closures dominated national headlines on 6 October 2026 after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that all lycées in France would suspend lessons for three days. The decision follows the largest student demonstrations since the protests began on 21 September, with the Interior Ministry reporting at least 250,000 people on the streets on Monday.

What is behind the French school protests?

The movement began at Lycée Antoine-de-Saint-Exupéry in Créteil and quickly spread across France and Belgium. Students cite missing teachers, overcrowded classes of 32 to 36 pupils, run-down buildings, and stress from the Parcoursup university admissions platform. The French teacher shortage crisis has left some pupils without a French teacher for seven months in an exam year, while others describe prefab toilets with no water and cockroaches and rats in school corridors.

What did Prime Minister Lecornu announce?

Speaking on Monday, Lecornu said all lycées would remain closed for the next three days to allow dialogue between schools and students. "The protests are real, and we must listen to the students," he said. He added that the government would address several points, including the state of school buildings. However, it remains unclear whether schools will comply or choose to keep lessons running.

Key figures from 6 October protests

• Interior Ministry: 250,000 demonstrators nationwide
• Union Syndicale Lycéenne: 450,000 protesters before the Paris march began
• Hundreds of schools closed
• 85 teachers, 215 students and 715 police officers injured in recent days

Why are students protesting?

French lycée students are demanding more education funding, urgent repairs to school buildings, smaller class sizes, and the filling of teacher vacancies. They also want changes to Parcoursup, which many blame for admissions stress. The student protest movements 2026 have gained support from unions and parents, with demonstrations escalating in Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon and Rennes.

Impact and implications

Lecornu called the injuries "the heaviest toll education staff has endured in decades." Clashes were reported in several cities, where police used tear gas and demonstrators set fires and threw objects. The crisis comes amid European education funding debates and growing pressure on France's public finances ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

FAQ

Why are French schools closed?

Prime Minister Lecornu ordered all lycées to suspend lessons for three days after weeks of student protests over teacher shortages, overcrowded classes and dilapidated school buildings.

How many people protested in France on 6 October?

The Interior Ministry reported at least 250,000 demonstrators, while one union claimed 450,000 before the main Paris march began.

What are French students demanding?

Students want more education funding, better school infrastructure, smaller classes, more teachers and reforms to the Parcoursup admissions system.

Has the French government responded?

Yes. Lecornu has acknowledged the protests as "real" and promised dialogue, while also saying violence will not be tolerated.