Mass protests erupt in France / Students block schools, public-sector workers go on strike

Protests have escalated in France, where high school students have blocked dozens of educational institutions, while public-sector workers have gone on strike in opposition to planned budget cuts for next year.

The protests are taking place just two days before the government presents its draft budget for 2027 and around seven months before the presidential election.

According to polls cited by Reuters, President Emmanuel Macron and his government continue to have low levels of support.

Student protests have intensified in recent days. Among other things, they are protesting overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of teachers. France’s Education Ministry has said that more than 330 high schools have been affected by the protests.

In Lille, rubbish containers were set on fire outside a school. Around 40 protesters have been arrested.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has described the protests in schools as irresponsible, but acknowledged that the problems facing high schools must be heard and addressed.