Bildungskrise: Schülerproteste in Frankreich: Wie hoch ist das Protestpotenzial in Deutschland?

Since three weeks, youths have been protesting in France for better classroom conditions. Demonstrations took place in many French cities, including Strasbourg, Lyon, and Paris, on Tuesday, as thousands of students protested against poor learning conditions, a shortage of teachers, and canceled classes. French youth researcher Simon Schnetzer says the protests are now more than just a school issue.

"They are a symbol that the state does not sufficiently prepare young people for the future," Schnetzer told the Handelsblatt. Schnetzer sees similar problems in Germany, noting that only a minority of young people feel well-prepared for the workforce. He also points to the crumbling infrastructure in schools and the cancellation of school hours, both of which are regularly mentioned in his surveys.

Schnetzer is co-editor of the trend study "Youth in Germany," which surveyed people aged 14-29 in Germany. The 2026 edition of the study is titled "Between Performance Readiness and Emigration – Germany's Youth Loses Patience." Schnetzer identifies three central issues that increasingly burden young people: a sense of helplessness in the face of many current crises, high performance pressure—often without good learning conditions, and high debts and future social burdens.

Young people should identify with the future, but they should not decide how that future looks. Many young people not only have self-doubts, "but also the feeling that they are governed from above." Schnetzer warns that France has a ticking time bomb. In Germany, Schnetzer sees less potential for mobilization. "The protest culture in Germany is not expressed to the same degree," he says.

Moreover, a relatively high standard of living dampens the sense of pain. In France, protests initially began in poorer neighborhoods and then spread to wealthier areas. The proximity and cultural ties, particularly with the French-speaking part of Belgium, may have contributed to this. However, the violent nature of the protests in France discourages many youths from joining them.

In contrast, the "Fridays for Future" climate movement has attracted many German students. "The peaceful nature of this movement has made it easier for parents and broad segments of the population to show solidarity," notes Schnetzer. Political center: Trust lost Schnetzer believes pressure on the younger generation is increasing.

"Long-term crises, uncertain career prospects, debt, and mental stress shape the living conditions of many young people," according to the youth study. In response, they turn to the political fringes or even consider leaving Germany. Recent state elections support this idea. In the Sachsen-Anhalt state parliament election in early September, 41 percent of those under 25 voted for the AfD, while 12 percent chose the left-wing alternative and 43 percent supported the center.

Schnetzer says the political center has lost trust. "Trust is established when things are going well," he explains. Where many young people see things going wrong, Schnetzer highlights three examples. The 2015 refugee crisis, which became visible in daily life for many people. The experience that political demands, even with broad support—like "Fridays for Future"—yield only limited results.

The COVID-19 pandemic, during which political decisions have significantly impacted the lives of young people. Schnetzer notes that political parties have a clear advantage: they address the issues young people are concerned about, such as housing or migration, even if offering solutions is secondary. "The crucial point is the perception that their concerns are being heard."

Regarding demonstrations on the Israel-Gaza conflict, Schnetzer observes how complex conflicts are increasingly reduced to simple opposites. Social media often distills stories to just "yes" or "no." This leads to a harsher dispute culture, where political opponents are quickly perceived as enemies. Schnetzer calls on the political center to do two things: listen and involve. Simply asking for the youth's performance, adaptation, and responsibility is not enough.