Police Use Stinging Gas as French Students Protest in Five Cities

Police fired tear gas, which stings the eyes, outside French high schools on Oct. 6, 2026, as students blocking schools and marching in Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse protested too few teachers, packed classes and run-down buildings. Unions, or worker groups, joined them. France's Interior Ministry counted 250,000 people. Police actions will shape criticism and more protests.