Watch: Moment historic French town hall spire collapses in flames amid protests

Montreal residents demonstrated on Saturday to express solidarity with French high school students protesting education reform. In France, students have been taking to the streets since mid-September, citing deteriorating conditions in schools and shortages of resources. Montrealer Amara Grant told Global News, "Nobody should have to work this hard to do what they want to do in life and students in France, all they want to do is learn."

The movement has expanded to address the high cost of living and critique of social welfare funding. Similar protests have emerged across Europe, including in Greece, Belgium, and Albania. Montreal activists Yves Hupé expressed concern that Quebec's society is drifting towards the right, and may face repression that threatens past social gains.

Activists emphasized that young people globally are struggling with mounting costs, making it difficult to achieve their goals. Rebecca Bibeau stated, "We can't afford to feed ourselves, we cannot afford an apartment, we can't afford anything right now."

However, protesters also expressed concerns about confrontations with police. French officials reported at least 166 arrests in Saturday's demonstrations, with hundreds injured. Riot police deployed tear gas against protesters in Paris, who were wearing hoods and masks and throwing fireworks at officers.

President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and reminded citizens of their constitutional right to protest peacefully. "Respect for people, respect for property, and therefore a commitment not to insult or destroy," he said in Brussels.

Montreal activists warned against complacency and urged the Canadian government to continue pressuring elected officials. Grant remarked, "When they try to protest and change their state of being, their state education system, they're getting beat up by the police." Bibeau added, "We are the people, we outnumber you, you have to listen to us."