French school blockades resumed Nov. 2, but only at a handful of sites
What's new: The government offered €4 billion for renovations, 15,000 university spots and smaller classes, but students say it still falls short.
French high school protests resumed on Nov. 2 after a two-week break, but on a much smaller scale than earlier waves that shut down hundreds of schools. French media reported attempted blockades at a handful of high schools in Paris, Marseille and Rennes, with some students using trash bins to barricade entrances. The protests began in September over deteriorating school conditions, a shortage of teachers and university places, and complaints that the admissions system is unfair. They later widened into a broader movement over the cost of living and have at times turned violent. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the latest blockades were marginal, while student groups vowed to keep up pressure after rejecting government measures as insufficient.