The storming of the Bastille in 1789 marked a major turning point in the French Revolution and became a symbol of the people’s resistance to royal authority.

The leader of France Unbowed and his allies have been accused by their opponents of stoking unrest and manipulating young people for political gain. Mélenchon has rejected these criticisms, underlining that despite the fact that his party supports the protests, they were independently launched by students.

The student and professional union coalition has called for another day of protests and strikes on 13 October, with a further major mobilisation planned for 17 October.