French Student Union calls for a blockade of secondary schools and universities

The French Student Union has called for blockades of secondary schools and universities on Tuesday and Thursday in response to a ban on their proposed protest route in Paris. Spokesperson Sabrine Kharbach emphasized the legitimacy of their demands, stating that they aim to show opposition to the prohibition of peaceful demonstrations. The union seeks better conditions for students, not luxury items, and plans to support actions organized by students leading up to the protests. Authorities are concerned about potential violence during the protests against the high cost of living, deploying 70,000 police and gendarmes for security. This protest occurs six months before the presidential election, where far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is leading in polls.