High school students in France are preparing for a fresh wave of demonstrations demanding better learning conditions despite government efforts to end weeks of protests.
The demonstrations, which began in mid-September, could determine whether the movement regains momentum after authorities reported a sharp decline in school blockades and protests last week.
The education ministry said more than 96 per cent of high schools were open.
The government is also concerned that the student protests could coincide with demonstrations planned for Saturday by online activists protesting the rising cost of living.
The planned action has raised fears of a revival of the Yellow Vest movement, which began in 2018 over a proposed fuel tax increase and triggered mass demonstrations and violent clashes that challenged President Emmanuel Macron’s administration.
Government offers concessions
The government estimates that damage caused by the student protests has cost at least €30m, according to a government source.
The justice ministry said more than 6,800 people had been detained since the demonstrations began, with minors accounting for 86 per cent of those arrested.
Clashes between some protesters and riot police have left several students seriously injured, prompting criticism of police tactics.
The government has suspended the use of stun grenades after one student lost a hand during the unrest. Police are also investigating 18 alleged cases of misconduct involving officers.
In an attempt to address the students’ demands, Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced plans to deploy about 3,000 substitute teachers to cover staff shortages at 114 of the worst-affected high schools.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu also promised on Sunday to revise parts of next year’s budget to address some demands submitted through an online platform established by the government to gather students’ views.
Students reject government proposals
Student organisations have criticised the government’s initial concessions, insisting that they do not go far enough.
The Union of High School Students described the announcements as “crumbs” and maintained its demand for an additional €10m investment in the country’s high schools.
Meanwhile, medical students have raised concerns about continued school blockades disrupting examinations scheduled to begin on Monday, which help determine their future specialisations.
The protests have attracted significant support across France. Interior ministry figures show that 71,500 people participated in demonstrations last week, while nearly 256,000 took part in a nationwide day of action last week.
A poll conducted by Ipsos-BVA found that 54 per cent of respondents supported the high school students’ protests.
Respondents expressed particular sympathy with complaints about overcrowded classrooms and the need to renovate deteriorating school buildings.
