Massive protests have taken hold in France as high school students express their grievances regarding educational conditions. According to the French Ministry of Education, strikes and demonstrations have spread to more than 1,020 high schools, which accounts for about one in four schools nationwide. Currently, 222 schools are completely blocked by protesters. This figure is a significant increase from September 28, when protests were recorded in 180 schools.
The movement began in the suburbs of Paris but has since expanded to major and medium-sized cities across the country. Students are demanding improved learning conditions, citing issues such as a shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, overloaded schedules, and the poor condition of school facilities.
Incidents of violence have increasingly accompanied these protests. In several cities, demonstrators have set garbage bins on fire, and in Nantes, a fire resulted in damage to a portion of the vestibule at Nelson Mandela High School. Public transport was temporarily halted in cities like Strasbourg, Orléans, Nice, La Rochelle, and Marseille to mitigate clashes.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray reported that since the protests began, 65 educational staff members and 170 students have been injured. He remarked that the movement has been hijacked by ultra-violent groups.
Education unions have raised concerns over the escalating violence, noting that individuals not affiliated with the educational sector are joining the protests merely for the sake of violence.
In response to the ongoing turmoil, the French government has announced the establishment of a consultation platform for high school students. Due to damages and blockades affecting nearly 400 schools, many institutions will transition to remote learning.
A new strike is planned for October 6.
