Student protests that began in September have escalated in France, prompting demonstrations against the rising cost of living and conditions in educational institutions. On Tuesday, students blocked the entrances to 49 out of approximately 3,700 high schools, as reported by the education ministry.
The protests have been characterized by some instances of fringe violence and accusations against police for brutality, coinciding with a politically charged climate as the country prepares for presidential elections next year.
Authorities anticipate large turnout at protests, with several thousand students expected to join a demonstration in Paris on Tuesday afternoon. In a recent joint statement, student and teacher unions called for intensified pressure on the government, emphasizing the need to advocate not just for students but also for educators’ working conditions.
Among the measures announced by the government are plans to phase out the current online selection system for access to higher education and provide budgetary support for underfunded schools. Despite these efforts, union leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with a government promise to increase the minimum wage by just 0.6 percent over a standard inflation adjustment, labeling the offer as ‘crumbs.’
Future protests are planned, with unions organizing a strike day on November 17. Last Thursday, during nationwide cost-of-living protests, approximately 575,000 participants were reported by authorities, while union estimates claimed the number could be as high as 1.5 million.
