Student protests spread across France over teacher shortages, school conditions

Student protests have spread across France as high-school students raise concerns about teacher shortages, classroom sizes, school conditions and demanding timetables.

The demonstrations, which began in the Paris region last week, expanded to several other parts of the country on Sep 29. France’s Education Ministry said around 400 schools were affected by protests or disruptions, including schools that were blocked or faced attempted blockades.

The protests have centred on conditions inside schools. Students have raised concerns about insufficient teaching staff, crowded classes and timetables they consider difficult to manage. Some students have also pointed to poor infrastructure and uncomfortable classroom conditions.

The movement began around Sep 21 at a high school in Créteil, near Paris, after concerns were raised about unfilled teaching positions. It subsequently spread to other schools in the Paris region before reaching cities elsewhere in France.

Protests expand beyond Paris

By Sep 29, student actions had been reported in several regions, including Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Bordeaux and Rennes.

While many of the demonstrations involved blockades or gatherings outside schools, some incidents escalated into confrontations with police. In Lille, for example, rubbish bins were set on fire, while police used tear gas and batons in response to incidents involving protesters.

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 440 people were detained on Sep 29. The authorities also reported injuries among police personnel, students and education staff during the day’s unrest.

The government has criticised violent incidents associated with the demonstrations, while the student movement has continued to focus on education-related concerns.

Budget dispute adds to tensions

The student protests are taking place alongside a broader mobilisation by public-sector workers, including teachers, against the government’s proposed 2027 budget.

The government is seeking around €54 billion in savings as it works to reduce the country’s deficit. Public-sector unions have opposed proposed spending measures, including a planned freeze on state employees’ salaries in 2027.

Teachers were also among public-sector employees participating in the wider strike action on Sep 29. The Education Ministry estimated overall teacher participation at 13.71% that day, with participation varying between different levels of education.

For students, however, the school blockades have primarily highlighted concerns over the day-to-day functioning of their schools, including staffing, class sizes and timetables.

The protests now represent a wider challenge for the French government as it prepares to present its 2027 budget, while schools and students continue to raise concerns about resources and learning conditions.