French Students Continue Protests as Government Promises Fall Short

High school students across France have continued their campaign against the state of the national education system, marking the tenth day of protests. Thousands of young people marched through cities including Lille, Rennes, Lyon, and Marseille on Thursday. In Paris, an estimated 25,000 students gathered at the Place de la Bastille, waving flags and singing the national anthem. These demonstrations highlight a growing frustration among students regarding teacher shortages, long school hours, and the poor condition of school buildings.

According to The Guardian, the government has attempted to address these concerns. Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced that 3,000 substitute teachers would be sent to schools facing the most serious shortages. Additionally, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the government plans to change the 2027 budget to include concrete measures that address student demands. However, these promises have failed to calm the movement. Student leaders, including Ryad Rani, argued that the government has not offered any real solutions to their problems. Some groups are calling for an urgent investment of 10 billion euros to properly fix the issues within the school system.

As the protests continue, the relationship between the students and the police has become increasingly tense. While many of the marches remain peaceful, clashes have broken out in several locations. In Paris, riot police used teargas and baton charges to clear crowds after some protesters threw objects like bottles and stones. In Rennes, officers used water cannons to disperse the groups. A common complaint seen on student banners is the heavy-handed response from law enforcement. One sign read, "Too young to be listened to, but old enough to be teargassed."

Recent reports indicate that the government has taken steps to reduce violence during these events. Following serious injuries to students, including a 15-year-old boy in the city of Lens who lost his hand, authorities have temporarily suspended the use of stun grenades — explosive devices that create a loud noise and bright light to confuse people. Despite this change, the situation on the ground remains volatile. The interior ministry reported that over 71,000 people took part in the latest day of action, and while the majority of schools remain open, hundreds were forced to close due to student blockades.

Public opinion on the matter is complex. An Elabe poll for BFM TV found that 72% of French people believe the students’ demands are legitimate, acknowledging that the problems in schools are real. However, 55% of those polled said they think the protests should stop. This split in public feeling reflects the difficulty of the situation for the government, which must balance the need for order with the growing pressure to improve public services.

Looking ahead, the movement shows few signs of slowing down. Student unions have already called for another national day of action next Tuesday, supported by teachers, parents, and various labor unions. As the protests enter their third week, the focus remains on whether the government will provide the significant funding that student groups are demanding. For many young protesters, like 16-year-old Eliane, the goal is clear: they intend to keep marching until they see real, lasting progress in their schools. Whether the government can offer a deal that satisfies these demands remains the central question for the coming days.