Students blockaded dozens of high schools across France on Tuesday, intensifying pressure on the government over education reforms just days before a nationwide strike called by trade unions. The action, which resumed after a two-week autumn break, targeted schools in Paris, Rennes, Toulouse, and Lyon, among other cities.
According to the French education ministry, 48 of the country's 3,700 high schools were blocked. The Union syndicale lycéenne (USL), a student union, disputed that figure, claiming that 500 establishments were affected. The union also accused authorities of heavy-handed tactics, saying that "young people were pinned against walls and riot police units deployed" outside schools. A union representative told AFP: "Our impression is that the objective is to suppress the movement and prevent Thursday's mobilisation."
Renewed protests after the holiday break
Students returned to classes on Monday and quickly resumed their campaign, which calls for the renovation of dilapidated school buildings, smaller class sizes, and more university places. In Rennes, around 30 students blocked access to the Brequigny High School, one of the largest secondary schools in the country. Tensions flared when a member of the school administration confronted the protesters, insisting, "You are not the majority." A student retorted, "If we're doing this, it's because everything we've tried before hasn't worked."
The school protests have become a catalyst for a broader nationwide movement against soaring prices and inadequate public services. Over the past three weekends, hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets, and the demonstrations on 17 October led to some of the worst unrest France has seen in years. The movement has also inspired students in other European countries, including Belgium, Italy, and Spain, where the French word "blocus" (blockade) has become a popular hashtag on social media.
Government response and union demands
Last week, the French government unveiled measures aimed at addressing some of the students' demands, including reforms to the university admissions process, which has been criticized for a lack of transparency. However, student leaders argue that the proposals do not go far enough. On Monday, authorities reported that 42 high schools—around 1% of the national total—were blocked, while student unions put the figure at 169.
Thursday's nationwide strike is expected to draw significant participation, with unions calling for action on wages, public services, and education funding. The protests come at a time of heightened social tension across Europe, as governments grapple with inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. In France, the government has already tapped strategic diesel reserves to ease pump prices, but unions say more structural changes are needed.
The education sector has been a particular flashpoint, with teachers and students alike demanding better working conditions and increased investment. The blockades are a symbolic but powerful form of protest, disrupting the daily routine and drawing media attention. As the movement gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether the government will offer further concessions or face a prolonged period of unrest.
For now, students are determined to keep up the pressure. "We are not doing this for fun," said one protester in Paris. "We are doing this because our schools are falling apart and our future is at stake." The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government's measures will be enough to quell the discontent or whether the protests will continue to escalate.
