Nexus Europa — Oct 6, 2026, 03:30 PM UTC

France suspends classes in hundreds of high schools following widespread unrest

French authorities suspended in-person classes at up to 500 high schools after widespread blockades and arson damaged dozens of establishments across the country.

French authorities suspended in-person classes in 400 to 500 high schools on Monday due to safety concerns following days of severe blockades and vandalism across France. Education Minister Édouard Geffray reported that 24 establishments were vandalized or burned, including an arson attack that destroyed the main entrance hall of Nelson Mandela High School in Nantes.

In response to what officials described as a transition into "urban violence," an interministerial crisis unit convened under Sébastien Lecornu. Public transit was disrupted in cities such as Marseille and Strasbourg, where a bus driver was assaulted. Student organizations and education unions continue to demand additional teaching staff and increased funding ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon criticizes UK windfall tax on domestic banks

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned that a UK windfall tax on domestic banks is unfair, lacks principle, and will raise capital costs.

JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon has criticized British taxation policy, stating that a windfall tax on UK domestic banks is "unfair" and "lacks principle."

Speaking at JPMorgan's Tech Stars Conference in London, Dimon warned that targeted levies on financial institutions would elevate the cost of capital and ultimately produce negative economic consequences. The executive argued that penalizing domestic lenders undermines sector predictability and financial competitiveness. The remarks arrive as policy discussions continue in the UK regarding banking sector taxation and government revenue strategies.

Sources: Bloomberg