French High School Students Launch National Protests Over Crumbling Schools and Teacher Shortages

Protests that began in the poor suburbs of Paris have grown into a nationwide movement, with demonstrations and blockades at more than 1,200 French high schools this week, Reuters reported. Students are demanding action on run down buildings, overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets in some places, and more than 5,000 people were arrested. Some protesters suffered serious injuries, including eye damage and broken teeth. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned a “climate of unacceptable violence.”

Conditions in Seine-Saint-Denis Schools

At Lycee Le Corbusier in Aubervilliers, classes in maths, humanities, English and sport have been canceled since term began for lack of teachers. Students say their postcode should not decide their future. A union survey found two thirds of schools in the department have unfilled teaching posts, and some lack drinking water. Unions blame 3,256 teacher job cuts nationwide in 2026.

Budget Cuts Make Protests a Political Flashpoint

The unrest comes as the government unveiled unpopular 2027 spending cuts. The education budget will rise 1.7% to €65.53 billion, below inflation. Education Minister Edouard Geffray says education remains a priority and cites population decline. Spending per secondary student has barely changed since 2010. The last protest of this size over school funding came in the 1990s.