Mobilisierung geht weiter: Frankreich vor nächster Runde der Schülerproteste

Following the violent incidents of the previous week, France now faces the next major protest day: nationwide student protests are being called for on Tuesday. Support is coming from several large education unions, which, via their websites, are calling for participation in the actions, and in some cases, for a strike. This could broaden the scope of the student movement.

After the intense confrontations of the past few days, the situation calmed down over the weekend. The past few days were marked by sometimes drastic violent scenes: teachers were assaulted, police officers were injured, rubbish bins and vehicles were set on fire. Many were injured. The confrontations caused significant material damage, the costs of which are estimated in the millions.

Classes are to be gradually resumed. According to Education Minister Édouard Geffray, who spoke to France 2 and France Inter radio, classes will gradually resume from Monday. At 400 to 500 institutions, however, where security conditions are not guaranteed, class instruction will be completely or partially suspended. Minister Geffray cited either material problems or cases where education personnel were directly assaulted as reasons.

After a meeting with Geffray on Friday, student representatives declared they had received no sufficient concrete promises. At the core, they demand more personnel and money for the schools, smaller classes, and better learning conditions.