France: Why hundreds of students are protesting

France is currently experiencing nationwide strikes and student protests due to budget cuts, teacher shortages, and overcrowded classrooms. The unrest erupted two days before Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government is expected to release its 2027 budget, which includes a €54 billion savings program. This has heightened pressure on the government as it aims to reduce France's deficit and debt in preparation for the upcoming presidential election.

According to the education ministry, approximately 400 of the nation's roughly 3,700 schools were affected by protests or disruptions on Tuesday. Over 440 individuals, predominantly minors, were detained, with at least 10 teachers, several students, and 48 law enforcement officers sustaining injuries during the unrest.

The student protests originated in the Paris region last week, subsequently spreading to cities like Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Rennes. Concerns surrounding teacher shortages, crowded classrooms, school conditions, and timetables have spurred these demonstrations. Some protests remained peaceful, while others led to confrontations with law enforcement.

In Lille, students set fire to rubbish bins outside the Lycée César Baggio, prompting police to deploy tear gas and batons after protesters hurled objects. In Paris, students blocked the entrance to the Lycée Arago with debris, displaying a placard that read "Macron explosion." At the Hélène-Boucher school, protesters erected a banner stating "Fewer cops, More money," citing the excessive use of police against high school student movements and broader social movements.

Students have also highlighted the strain on teachers and congested classrooms. A 16-year-old student remarked, "There are 34 of us in each class, and it's just not feasible. The teachers are overworked," describing the education system as "completely broken." Prime Minister Lecornu condemned the violence around schools but emphasized the importance of addressing students' concerns about the education system. Education Minister Édouard Geffray affirmed students' right to protest but deemed violence indefensible.

Meanwhile, civil servants joined the nationwide strike alongside the student protests. Over 170 rallies were organized across France by unions, opposing the government's budget plans and the proposal to freeze state employees' base salaries in 2027. The CGT union has warned that repeated pay freezes have eroded workers' purchasing power.

Firefighters also participated in the action following major wildfires during the summer, raising concerns about available resources. The education ministry reported that slightly more than 11% of teachers and other school staff were on strike, while participation among other civil servants was below 10%.

Transport disruptions were limited in the morning, although the aviation regulator cautioned that some airports might face disruptions. CGT leader Sophie Binet urged the government to withdraw the planned spending cuts within 48 hours, or the union would consider further strike action. This summer, the front line was not limited to billionaires, big bosses, or shareholders; it involved civil servants and working people, whose anger is immense.