French student unions have called for renewed blockades of universities and high schools from Tuesday as anti-government protests continue across the country, broadcaster BFMTV reported.
Sabrina Kharbach, spokesperson for Union Etudiante, urged students to join the action called by high school and student unions alongside an inter-union coalition.
“We will block again on Thursday and then take part in the November 5 demonstration called by workers who are going on strike,” she said.
Kharbach added that students hope to turn out in greater numbers to show their demands are legitimate.
Manon Moret, secretary-general of the National Union of French Students (UNEF), said the government has yet to provide a concrete response to young people’s demands.
70,000 police deployed
Saturday marked the third nationwide day of social action in three weeks, with around 350 events planned across France.
Authorities describes the demonstrations as high-risk, with authorities concerned about possible attempts to block the Paris ring road or target government buildings.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been deployed nationwide.
In Paris, the Council of State overturned an administrative court ruling, allowing the demonstration to proceed along a route from Bagnolet to Charenton.
