On Tuesday, students in France increased pressure on the government for implementing educational reforms by blocking dozens of high schools and universities. This action took place as labor unions are preparing for a nationwide strike. After returning from a two-week autumn break, some students continued their protest campaign on Monday, demanding that authorities renovate dilapidated schools, reduce class sizes, and increase the number of university places.
Status Report on Blockades
Officials reported that on Tuesday, 48 out of 3,700 high schools in France were blocked, and this situation occurred under strict security measures, including in Paris, Rennes, and Lyon. The student union USL reported that the number of blocked institutions was 500. Additionally, 51 higher education institutions out of 184 were also disrupted.
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Reactions and Tensions in Schools
The USL union condemned what it called coercive tactics, criticizing police behavior and stating that “young people are cornered, and riot police units are stationed outside schools.” A union representative said it seems that authorities intend to affect a new day of blockades planned for Thursday. In Rennes, about 30 students blocked the Berckini high school, one of the largest in the country, which serves thousands of students.
Tensions quickly escalated between students and a member of the teaching staff. One staff member said, “You are not the majority.” A student responded, “If we are doing this, it’s because everything we did before had no result.” At a high school in Toulouse, students continued their protest holding placards such as “Angry, Not Right-Wing.”
Student Protest Movement and Its Consequences
The student protests have fueled a larger movement against rising prices and inadequate public services, bringing hundreds of thousands to the streets over the past three weeks and leading to some of the worst riots in France in recent years on October 17. This student movement has inspired students in other European countries, including Italy and Spain.
Last week, the French government announced measures to address some of the students' demands, including replacing the university admission platform criticized for its lack of transparency. However, student leaders insist that these proposals are insufficient and are calling for a €10 billion investment.
Economic and Social Challenges
As the economy of the second-largest power in the European Union approaches recession and faces pressure to reduce debt, officials have little room to appease student anger with additional spending. The student union L’Union Etudiante announced that on Tuesday, half of the universities were affected, and more than 50 campuses were blocked. At the University of Lille in the north of the country, about 40 students blocked the campus using bicycles and trash bins, leading to the cancellation of classes.
Gautier Capiz, a third-year political science student, said, “A massive national mobilization is underway.” He continued, “If we can eliminate Parcoursup next year, among other things, then it will all be worth it.” Meanwhile, a master's student in international law, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern about his future but feels that the protest is necessary. He added, “I am doing this for France and for future students and my future children.”
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