French high school protests inspire students in Italy, Belgium and Montreal

What French students want

• Lighter timetables
• Absent teachers replaced
• Parcoursup admissions scrapped
• Run-down schools renovated

In France, high school students say their movement will go on through the two-week All Saints' holiday that starts Saturday. They want lighter timetables, absent teachers replaced, the Parcoursup admission system scrapped and run-down buildings repaired.

Italy

In Italy, students have occupied several high schools, including in Rome, Turin and Naples. They want more money for education, upgraded buildings and raises for their teachers.

Represented by a Belgian student federation

185,000 young people

In Belgium, students have protested for months and rally with workers and farmers in Brussels and Liège on Saturday against austerity. A student federation representing 185,000 young people says France has given its movement new momentum.

And us?

Phillips Square, Montreal

Student associations at the Université de Montréal hold a solidarity rally at Phillips Square in Montreal on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. They call for more student financial aid, paid internships, action on food insecurity that affects 40 per cent of students, and tighter rent control.