High school blockades resumed across France on Monday as students returned from autumn holidays. The Education ministry reports that 41 schools have been blockaded, with protests occurring in cities including Paris, Marseille, and Rennes. Although these demonstrations are on a smaller scale than in previous weeks, students remain determined to revive the protest movement.
The demonstrations emerged in September over deteriorating learning conditions and inequality, eventually contributing to cost-of-living rallies against soaring prices. Students are demanding the renovation of aging schools, additional teachers, and more university places. They are also calling for the end of a university admissions system they view as socially unfair.
The government has introduced measures to address the crisis, including capping the number of pupils per class, ensuring more teachers, and changing the university admissions process. Despite these commitments, student groups have found the concessions insufficient. While President Emmanuel Macron has called for classes to resume, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu plans to meet with students again. However, some students are now having doubts about the blockades as pressure from exams and university admissions increases.