PARIS: High school and university students across France renewed their protests on Thursday, blocking school entrances and campuses to demand more resources and better learning conditions.
The demonstrations continued despite Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s promise to announce the government’s first measures by the end of October. Many students said they wanted immediate action rather than further promises, according to Anadlolu Agency.
In Paris, several high schools were blocked. Pantheon-Assas University cancelled morning classes, while Lumière Lyon 2 University closed three campuses because of the risk of disruption. In Angers, firefighters were called after rubbish bins were set alight near schools.
The Education Ministry said 224 institutions were fully closed and 151 others were partly disrupted on Thursday. Although the number was about 30% lower than the previous day’s forecast, the protests still affected classrooms across the country.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray invited representatives of three high school groups, the Union Syndicale Lycéenne, Renouveau Lycéen and Lycéens! to talks at the ministry. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste was also expected to attend.
The students are demanding 250,000 additional university places, more teachers and improved school facilities. They also want changes to Parcoursup, the admissions system used to select students for higher education.
Ryad Rani, president of the Union Syndicale Lycéenne, called for a meeting with Lecornu next week. He said student groups had prepared and costed proposals for improving education.
Rallies were planned outside prefectures in the Île de France region, followed by a gathering at Paris’ Place de la Bastille. Several education unions, including Snes-FSU, CGT, FO and Sud, backed the strikes and demonstrations.
National Assembly Speaker Yaël Braun-Pivet urged protesters and police to remain calm. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon defended the government’s plans, saying €64 billion had been allocated to national education for next year.
But across France, the message from students remained clear: they believe their schools are running short of teachers, space and hope. Now they are waiting to see whether the government’s promised dialogue will bring real change.
