Since late September, students across France have been protesting against underfunding in education and blocking access to many high schools. The protests have turned violent in some areas, resulting in injuries to hundreds of students, teachers, and police officers, with thousands arrested. Protesters are raising concerns about staff shortages and deteriorating facilities in lycées, schools for 15-18-year-olds. "Sometimes our teachers are absent for several weeks without being replaced," said Madalena, a student from Paris, during demonstrations that attracted hundreds of thousands nationwide. She also noted that school buildings were excessively hot during recent heat waves.
Other complaints include the banning of mobile phones and long school days that extend until 18:00. A student expressed frustration, stating, "You get home at 7 pm, and have no time to sleep or do your homework." The online platform for higher education placement, Parcoursup, has also drawn criticism.
The roots of the frustration are deep, with about 80% of students passing the baccalauréat, which allows access to university, though not necessarily to preferred courses. This situation creates competition for desirable programs and anxiety surrounding Parcoursup, perceived as opaque by many.
A recent OECD report indicates that the French government spends more per lycée student than the EU average for upper-secondary education. While teacher shortages are a concern, they are not more severe than in other countries, and French teachers receive relatively low pay. The long school days result from lengthy lunch breaks and complex schedules rather than compensating for holidays, which are not significantly longer than in other EU nations.
The current protests are notable for their scale and the risks involved for participants, as blockading schools is illegal and can lead to police intervention. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that security forces are not directed to confront high school students but to enforce the law.
The political context is significant; historically, street protests have influenced government actions in France. Notable past protests, such as those in 1990 and 1998, resulted in substantial funding for education. Recent surveys show 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 faces challenges, with President Emmanuel Macron's popularity waning and a gridlocked assembly. Lecornu described himself as the "weakest prime minister" in recent memory, complicating the government's ability to respond to the protests amid rising borrowing costs and a high public debt.