French schools re-occupied as protests intensify

Concerns are mounting that prolonged school closures are jeopardizing the academic progress and final examinations for some students.

Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s request for an end to the lycée blockades, which began in September, student unions maintained their actions. Barricades constructed from wheelie bins appeared at school entrances in cities including Paris, Lille, Toulouse, and Marseille. Police attempted to remove the barricades and made arrests.

University student groups are planning additional blockades for Tuesday. A general strike is scheduled for Thursday, involving rail workers, teachers, and private sector employees, to demonstrate solidarity with the students’ demands for improved conditions, increased funding, and higher salaries.

Nathanaël Combary, a spokesperson for the student union Renouveau Lycéen and a member of Macron’s Renaissance party, emphasized the necessity of continued protests to pressure the government for increased funding, better access to higher education, and repairs to aging school infrastructure. He stated, “Democratically speaking it’s a bit scandalous that we have to reach this type of situation to be heard but it’s the only solution we have.”

Education Minister Édouard Geffray expressed worry that the school year is now “at risk” for many final-year students who have missed weeks of classes. He described the blockades as “illegal” and prioritized the resumption of classes.

In Montpellier, Socialist Senator Hussein Bourgi criticized the government’s actions following the arrest of a 53-year-old school nurse who was detained after an altercation with police near a school barricade. The local prefect defended the arrest, citing insults and resistance from the nurse.

The Ministry of Education reported 41 high schools were blocked, while student unions claim the number is closer to 150.

Nicolas Bonnet, of the headteachers’ union SNPDEN-UNSA, stressed the importance of returning to teaching and supporting students, while also warning of potential consequences for coursework, exams, and university applications. He urged increased dialog between the government and students.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced plans to meet with student unions again next week.