French Students Continue Protests Over School Conditions and Costs

Dozens of high schools across France were blocked by students again on Monday as the country prepares for another tense week of protests. The demonstrations, which focus on poor school conditions and the rising cost of living, have created a major social crisis for the government. Despite calls from President Emmanuel Macron to end the blockades, student unions have decided to continue their actions.

From early morning in Paris and its suburbs, as well as in cities like Lille, Toulouse, and Marseille, students used wheelie bins to block entrances to their schools. These students are demanding more teachers, repairs to old school buildings, and better access to higher education. In some areas, police officers were seen trying to move the bins away and making arrests. According to The Guardian, the education ministry reported that 41 schools were blocked, while student unions claimed the number was much higher, at 150.

This movement began in September and has grown into one of the biggest challenges of the current presidency. Nathanaël Combary, a member of a student union, told BFMTV that the government’s recent offers to improve class sizes and change university application rules were not enough. He explained that while it is unfortunate that students must protest to be heard, they feel it is the only way to get a real response from the government. He described their ongoing efforts as a "battle of strength" to secure better funding for schools.

However, the government has expressed deep concern about the impact on education. The education minister, Édouard Geffray, stated that the school year is now "at risk" for many students. He noted that hundreds of thousands of pupils in their final years have missed weeks of classes. Because of this, they may not be able to finish their coursework or prepare for the baccalauréat, which is the final exam students must pass to finish high school. Geffray called the blockades "illegal" and said his main goal is to get children back into their classrooms.

School leaders have also shared their worries. Nicolas Bonnet, from the headteachers’ union SNPDEN-UNSA, said that it is time for teachers to return to their jobs of teaching and supporting students. He warned that the long-term effects on final exams and university applications could be very serious. He noted that he understands why students are frustrated with the government, but he emphasized the need for schools to function normally again.

The situation has also led to political tension. In the city of Montpellier, a local senator named Hussein Bourgi accused the government of "misconduct" and "provocation." This followed a video showing a 53-year-old school nurse being forced to the ground and handcuffed by police near a school blockade. The local official in charge of police operations defended the arrest, claiming that the woman had insulted officers and resisted them.

The protests are expected to grow even larger this week. Trade unions have called for a large-scale strike on Thursday. This event is expected to include rail workers, teachers, and employees from the private sector. They plan to join the demonstrations in cities across France to support the students’ demands and to protest against low salaries and the rising cost of living. As the country braces for more action, the divide between the government’s desire for order and the students’ demand for change remains wide. For now, both sides show little sign of backing down, leaving many students stuck in the middle of a difficult situation.