High school students across France have resumed blockading schools and marching through cities, vowing to continue their protests despite government promises to address their grievances. The demonstrations, which have persisted for 10 days, have resulted in hundreds of injuries.
Nationwide Protests
On Thursday, large crowds gathered for mainly peaceful demonstrations in cities such as Lille, Rennes, Nantes, Lyon, Toulon, and Marseille. In Paris, a procession marched through the city center, culminating at the Place de la Bastille. Eliane, a 16-year-old student participating in the Paris march, expressed her commitment to the cause, stating she was there to “defend and encourage high schools in an even worse state than mine.” She described the march as “magnificent” and pledged to continue protesting until tangible progress is made.
Government Response
Following discussions with students and teachers at a school in Reims, Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced an emergency plan aimed at ensuring long-term replacements for absent teachers. He also mentioned that heavy timetables and the criticized university application system are under review. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a “concrete, rapid and fully funded” response by the end of the month.
However, students remain dissatisfied with the government's reaction. Ryad Rani, president of a high school student union, stated that the protesters have received “no concrete measures whatsoever, no response to our demands.” Sabrine Kharbach, from another student association, emphasized that protests would continue until €10 billion is allocated for urgent investments in France’s schools.
