Since late September, students across France have been holding protests against underfunding in education, blocking access to many high schools. The movement has turned violent in places, resulting in injuries to hundreds of students, teachers, and police officers. Thousands have been arrested, including an unknown number of outside troublemakers.
Reasons for Protests
Protesters are voicing complaints about staff shortages and dilapidated facilities in the country's lycées, schools attended by 15-18-year-olds. "Sometimes our teachers are absent for several weeks without being replaced," said Madalena, a Paris student, as demonstrations brought out hundreds of thousands across France. She added that her school buildings were "boiling hot" during recent heat waves.
Other grievances include:
- The banning of mobile phones.
- School days that last until 18:00, leaving students little time for homework or rest.
- Frustration with Parcoursup, the online platform for higher education placement.
Context of the Discontent
The roots of this frustration run deep. Approximately 80% of each cohort now passes the baccalauréat, which guarantees a university place, though not necessarily in their preferred course. This has led to a scramble for desirable courses and anxiety surrounding Parcoursup, which many view as opaque.
According to a recent report by the OECD, the French government spends more per lycée student than the EU average for upper-secondary schools. While teacher shortages are acute, they are not worse than in other countries. In fact, by OECD measures, the situation is milder in France, where fewer posts go unfilled, despite relatively low teacher pay.
