French high school protests continued across the country today, with nearly 400 educational establishments facing disruptions as students rejected Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's promise to present a plan to fix the education system by the end of the month. The demonstrations show no sign of slowing down, and students are demanding immediate action from the government.
Students Demand Immediate Action on Education Reform
Despite Lecornu's televised address last night, in which he acknowledged that students' anger "does not come from nowhere" and said the country could not be "indifferent" to their concerns, demonstrators remain unsatisfied. They insist that the prime minister fully engage with their demands sooner than the end-of-month deadline he proposed.
"We want real action, and until we get it, we'll keep mobilising," said Marilou, a high school student in Fontainebleau, to AFP. Her sentiment echoes across the country as students vow to maintain pressure on the government.
Public Opinion Divided but Supportive
A recent opinion poll reveals that the French public broadly supports the protest movement. According to the survey, three-thirds (an overwhelming majority) agree with the students' demands, and 55% back the demonstrations. However, the public is divided on whether the protests should continue, indicating a nuanced view of the ongoing disruptions.
Education minister Édouard Geffray has invited the three leading high school students associations for further talks at the ministry later this afternoon. This move is seen as an attempt to open dialogue and find a resolution to the crisis.

Key Takeaways from the French High School Protests
- Nearly 400 schools are experiencing disruptions as protests continue.
- Students reject Prime Minister Lecornu's plan to present reforms by the end of the month.
- Public opinion is largely supportive, with 55% backing the demonstrations.
- Education minister Édouard Geffray has invited student associations for talks.
- Students demand immediate action and vow to keep mobilising until their demands are met.
Comparison of Government Response and Student Demands
| Government Position | Student Demands |
|---|---|
| Plan to be presented by end of month | Immediate engagement and action |
| Acknowledges concerns but no immediate announcements | Concrete steps to fix education system |
| Invites student associations for talks | Full commitment to address demands sooner |
What's Next for the Protests?
As the talks at the ministry are set to take place this afternoon, all eyes are on whether they will yield any breakthrough. Students have made it clear that they will not back down until they see real action. The government faces a delicate balancing act: addressing the legitimate concerns of students while maintaining order and implementing effective reforms.
The protests have also sparked a broader conversation about the state of France's education system. Many argue that the issues raised by students are symptomatic of deeper problems that require comprehensive solutions. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the government can meet the students' demands and bring an end to the disruptions.
FAQ
Why are French high school students protesting?
Students are protesting to demand immediate action to fix the country's education system. They reject Prime Minister Lecornu's promise to present a plan by the end of the month, insisting on full engagement with their demands sooner.
How many schools are affected by the protests?
Nearly 400 educational establishments across France are facing disruptions due to the ongoing protests.
What does the French public think about the protests?
Recent polls show that the public broadly supports the students, with 55% backing the demonstrations and a large majority agreeing with their demands. However, opinions are divided on whether the protests should continue.
What has the government done to address the protests?
Prime Minister Lecornu acknowledged the students' concerns in a televised address but did not announce immediate measures. Education minister Édouard Geffray has invited student associations for talks at the ministry.