Saint-Denis mayor sprayed with tear gas while shielding student protesters
Bali Bagayoko stepped between police and student protesters as demonstrations over teacher shortages and dilapidated schools intensified.
Saint-Denis mayor Bali Bagayoko was sprayed with tear gas on October 7, 2026, after he stepped between police and a group of students taking part in protests over the state of France’s education system.
Witnesses say Bagayoko moved to separate officers and demonstrators when police deployed tear gas, and the mayor was directly affected by the spray.
Student unrest expands
The demonstrations began as student-led actions that pointed to shortages of teachers, worn-out school buildings and overcrowded classrooms. Those initial protests have intensified over the past several days.
Organisers and participants say the lack of a government response has strengthened public backing for the young protesters, and the movement is broadening into wider demonstrations against budget cuts and austerity measures.
The report was published on October 7, 2026 at 21:33.
Photo: press material from the event
