School protests part of a broader French malaise?
High school students across France launched a fresh day of protests on Thursday, despite government attempts to ease the crisis which has rocked the country for days. But coinciding with a cost of living crisis and apprehensions around upcoming presidential elections, are the protests part of a wider French malaise? France 24’s Douglas Herbert takes a look.
After the French government pledged to address students' concerns over teacher shortages and outdated school facilities, high school blockades have continued for a third week. The movement, which has seen hundreds of arrests and injuries, exposes tensions between demands for public service investments and a government under pressure to reduce debt.
On Wednesday, the government suspended stun grenades' use in policing protests. Education ministry data shows 224 high schools were closed on Thursday morning, while 151 reopened partially. The number of closures has dropped by 30% compared to Wednesday. Live footage showed protests in Nantes, Rennes, Bron, Toulon, and Marseille on Thursday, two days after nationwide demonstrations.
Near Helene Boucher high school in Paris, a barricade of rubbish bins formed, leading to scuffles with police. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu promised a "concrete, quick, and fully funded response" by late October, but no details were provided. Online consultations gathered over 43,000 responses in two days. The government faces pressure from various sectors and market concerns about strained finances.
Prime Minister Lecornu addressed the nation Wednesday, vowing to present solutions by late October, while far-right candidate Marine Le Pen blamed protests for school damage and called for reparations. Her hard-left opponent Jean-Luc Melenchon praised the students and denounced police brutality. A recent Elabe poll shows 72% of French people think the students' demands are legitimate, but 55% believe protests should end.
Belgian protests occurred outside schools and universities, with Liege imposing a ban on gatherings of over three people until October 16.
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