French teenagers blocked several high schools on Tuesday as protests spread across France. The action came during nationwide demonstrations over the government’s proposed budget. Students have protested outside schools since last week. They raised concerns about class sizes, timetables, teacher shortages and limited resources. Some students blocked school entrances with rubbish bins. In some locations, bins were also set on fire. The protests began in the Île-de-France region around Paris. Education authorities reported blockades at several schools in the region. The movement has since reached other cities across France.
In Lille, masked students gathered outside the Lycee Cesar Baggio. A burning bin was reported near the school. Police used tear gas after clashes broke out. Students also blocked the entrance to a high school in Nantes. In Paris, dozens of students gathered outside the Arago school. Police were also present at the scene. Similar protests were reported in Marseille and Lyon. Around 80 students gathered outside the Lamartine school in Paris. They carried signs about long school hours and heavy academic schedules.
Unions plan nationwide protests
The school protests coincided with a nationwide day of demonstrations and strikes. Trade unions planned protests against the budget proposed by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Teachers and firefighters were among workers expected to join the action. Tens of thousands of people were expected to demonstrate in Paris and other cities. The unions have criticised planned spending cuts. They are also seeking stronger public services and changes to government budget plans.
CGT union leader Sophie Binet said anger among workers remained high. She urged the government to respond to demands over the proposed budget. The wider protest movement has also involved other public-sector workers. Recent demonstrations have included teachers, transport workers, healthcare staff and other employees.
Students cite school conditions
Students say their concerns extend beyond the national budget. They have pointed to shortages of teachers and limited school resources. One 17-year-old student in Paris cited a lack of resources and crowded timetables. She also said classrooms could become excessively hot. The student said pupils were also supporting teachers. She pointed to heavy workloads faced by educators.
The issues have helped expand the school blockades beyond the Paris region. Reports now indicate that protests have affected schools in several parts of France.
Government responds to school protests
French officials have criticised the escalation around schools. Prime Minister Lecornu described further escalation as irresponsible. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said authorities recorded 164 arrests on Monday. He also said 180 schools had been affected by the protests. The government has also criticised political support for the student movement. Officials have raised concerns about disorder and violence linked to some demonstrations. Police clashes have added to tensions as the protests continue. Authorities have said they will not accept violent incidents around schools.
The French teens blockade schools as unions vow day of ‘anger’ movement now combines student concerns with wider labour protests. The coming demonstrations will show whether the school blockades continue to spread. They will also test the government’s response to the growing unrest.
For now, schools in several French cities remain at the centre of the protests. Unions are also continuing their wider campaign over government spending plans.
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