Student unions in France have vowed to continue nationwide protests over worsening conditions in schools, despite securing their first major concession from the government.
The demonstrations entered their third week on Friday, October 9, with 141 schools still closed, according to the French Education Ministry. Students are demanding urgent action on teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school buildings and cuts affecting public education.
The government announced on Thursday that it would deploy 3,000 fully qualified teachers who have not yet taken up their posts to help fill staffing gaps. Education Minister Édouard Geffray said the measure would take effect immediately and cost several tens of millions of euros.
Student representatives welcomed the announcement but argued that it did not address all the problems facing schools. Marius Mesnil, who represents a high school student union, told Franceinfo radio that the decision showed continued protests could produce results.
The movement has attracted growing support from university students, including those at prestigious institutions in Paris. On Friday, police cleared a blockade at Assas law university, while demonstrations also disrupted activities at the engineering school Mines Paris.
The protests have drawn tens of thousands of people onto the streets. France’s Interior Ministry said approximately 71,500 people participated in demonstrations nationwide on Thursday, including 24,500 in Paris. Although most of the Paris gathering was peaceful, authorities reported incidents of vandalism, arson and attacks involving education staff in other locations.
Students and teachers have also raised concerns about the number of lessons left without teachers. Education Ministry figures indicate that nearly 10 per cent of teaching hours in state high schools are unstaffed, adding to pressure on an education system already facing budget constraints.
Student and teacher unions have called for another nationwide round of school strikes on Tuesday, October 13. Protesters say they will continue pressing for broader investment in education, better working conditions for teachers and improvements to school facilities.
The demonstrations present a challenge for the government as it tries to respond to public demands while controlling France’s rising public debt. Officials face pressure to improve public services without committing to spending that could worsen the country’s strained finances.
For now, the announcement of additional teachers has offered the government some room for negotiation, but student groups say more action is required. The planned strikes will provide another indication of whether the concession can ease tensions or whether the protests will continue to expand.