Since late September, students across France have been protesting against underfunding in education, leading to blockades at many high schools. The protests have resulted in violence, with hundreds of students, teachers, and police officers injured, and thousands arrested. The protesters are voicing concerns over staff shortages and deteriorating facilities in the country's lycées, which serve students aged 15 to 18.
Madalena, a student from Paris, stated, "Sometimes our teachers are absent for several weeks without being replaced," highlighting issues with teacher availability. She also noted that school buildings were excessively hot during recent heat waves. Other grievances include the banning of mobile phones and long school days that extend until 18:00, which some students argue leaves them with insufficient time for rest and homework.
The online platform for higher education placement, Parcoursup, has also drawn criticism. Although approximately 80% of students pass the baccalauréat, which grants access to university, many feel the system is opaque and creates anxiety.
A report from the OECD indicates that the French government spends more per lycée student than the EU average for upper-secondary schools. While teacher shortages exist, they are not significantly worse than in other countries, and French teachers have relatively low salaries. The long school days are attributed to lengthy lunch breaks and complex schedules rather than compensating for shorter holidays.
The current protests are notable for their scale and the risks involved, as blockading schools is illegal and often leads to police intervention. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that security forces are tasked with enforcing the law rather than confronting students.
Historically, French students have a tradition of using protests to influence government policy. Previous student movements have resulted in significant funding for education and changes in government policy. Recent polls indicate that 72% of the French public view the students' demands as legitimate, with 55% supporting the movement. Another rally is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
The government, facing rising borrowing costs and a significant public deficit, may struggle to respond to the students' demands. Prime Minister Lecornu has described himself as the "weakest prime minister" in living memory, complicating the government's ability to address the situation.